Cezanne: The Neglected Art Treasures Ravaged by Rats

The Genesis of Cezanne's Apple Obsession

Paul Cezanne (1839-1906) is often remembered for his still-life paintings, particularly those featuring red apples. This fascination can be traced back to his childhood friendship with Émile Zola. As a young boy, Cezanne frequently defended Zola from bullies. In a gesture of gratitude, Zola once visited Cezanne with a basket of red apples, a symbol of their enduring friendship. This simple act left a profound impact on Cezanne, who later said he wanted to "conquer Paris with an apple."

The Struggles of an Unrecognized Genius

Despite his dedication to his craft, Cezanne struggled to gain recognition. He rarely sold his works and often gave them away to friends, who accepted them reluctantly. Many of these paintings ended up forgotten in attics, neglected and even damaged by rats.

The Art Dealer Who Saw Potential

Ambroise Vollard, a young art dealer, was one of the few who recognized Cezanne's talent. Upon discovering Cezanne's works in a shop, Vollard began collecting them and even traveled to Cezanne's hometown of Aix-en-Provence. He heard rumors that a local countess had some of Cezanne's paintings and decided to investigate.

The Countess's Attic: A Treasure Trove of Neglect

When Vollard visited the countess, she was puzzled by his interest in Cezanne's work. She directed him to her attic, where the paintings were found, damaged and bitten by rats. Despite their condition, Vollard saw their value and offered 1,000 francs for them. The countess, thinking him mad, accepted the offer, and Vollard left with the paintings.

The Struggle for Recognition

Vollard's journey didn't end there. He encountered another amateur painter who had received some of Cezanne's works. This painter had painted over Cezanne's canvases, unable to bear the ridicule from his friends. Despite these setbacks, Vollard persisted and eventually found more of Cezanne's neglected works.

The Turning Point: Cezanne's First Exhibition

In 1895, Vollard organized Cezanne's first exhibition in Paris. Although Cezanne had been absent from the Paris art scene for 20 years, the exhibition attracted young artists and collectors who were captivated by his work. This marked the beginning of Cezanne's posthumous recognition as a pioneer of modern art.

Cezanne's Legacy

Cezanne continued to paint until his death in 1906. Today, he is celebrated as a pioneer of Fauvism and Cubism, earning the title "the father of modern art." Pablo Picasso once remarked, "Cezanne was like the father of us all."

Interesting Facts and Statistics

• Auction Prices: Cezanne's paintings now fetch astronomical prices at auctions. In 2011, his painting "The Card Players" was sold for over $250 million, making it one of the most expensive paintings ever sold (source).
• Influence on Modern Art: Cezanne's innovative use of color and brushstrokes influenced many 20th-century artists, including Picasso and Matisse. His work laid the groundwork for the development of modern art (source).

Conclusion

Paul Cezanne's journey from obscurity to recognition is a testament to the enduring power of art. Despite the neglect and damage his works suffered, they eventually found their place in the annals of art history. Today, Cezanne is celebrated as a visionary who paved the way for modern art, proving that true genius is often recognized only in hindsight.

# Cezanne: The Neglected Art Treasures Ravaged by Rats

Paul Cezanne, a renowned French post-impressionist painter, had a lifelong fascination with red apples. This obsession began in his childhood, thanks to a touching gesture from his friend, the famous writer Émile Zola. Despite his immense talent, Cezanne's works were largely unappreciated during his lifetime, often ending up neglected and even damaged. This article delves into the poignant story of Cezanne's art, the friendship that inspired it, and the eventual recognition of his genius.

## The Genesis of Cezanne's Apple Obsession

Paul Cezanne (1839-1906) is often remembered for his still-life paintings, particularly those featuring red apples. This fascination can be traced back to his childhood friendship with Émile Zola. As a young boy, Cezanne frequently defended Zola from bullies. In a gesture of gratitude, Zola once visited Cezanne with a basket of red apples, a symbol of their enduring friendship. This simple act left a profound impact on Cezanne, who later said he wanted to "conquer Paris with an apple."

## The Struggles of an Unrecognized Genius

Despite his dedication to his craft, Cezanne struggled to gain recognition. He rarely sold his works and often gave them away to friends, who accepted them reluctantly. Many of these paintings ended up forgotten in attics, neglected and even damaged by rats. 

### The Art Dealer Who Saw Potential

Ambroise Vollard, a young art dealer, was one of the few who recognized Cezanne's talent. Upon discovering Cezanne's works in a shop, Vollard began collecting them and even traveled to Cezanne's hometown of Aix-en-Provence. He heard rumors that a local countess had some of Cezanne's paintings and decided to investigate.

### The Countess's Attic: A Treasure Trove of Neglect

When Vollard visited the countess, she was puzzled by his interest in Cezanne's work. She directed him to her attic, where the paintings were found, damaged and bitten by rats. Despite their condition, Vollard saw their value and offered 1,000 francs for them. The countess, thinking him mad, accepted the offer, and Vollard left with the paintings.

### The Struggle for Recognition

Vollard's journey didn't end there. He encountered another amateur painter who had received some of Cezanne's works. This painter had painted over Cezanne's canvases, unable to bear the ridicule from his friends. Despite these setbacks, Vollard persisted and eventually found more of Cezanne's neglected works.

## The Turning Point: Cezanne's First Exhibition

In 1895, Vollard organized Cezanne's first exhibition in Paris. Although Cezanne had been absent from the Paris art scene for 20 years, the exhibition attracted young artists and collectors who were captivated by his work. This marked the beginning of Cezanne's posthumous recognition as a pioneer of modern art.

### Cezanne's Legacy

Cezanne continued to paint until his death in 1906. Today, he is celebrated as a pioneer of Fauvism and Cubism, earning the title "the father of modern art." Pablo Picasso once remarked, "Cezanne was like the father of us all."

## Interesting Facts and Statistics

- **Auction Prices**: Cezanne's paintings now fetch astronomical prices at auctions. In 2011, his painting "The Card Players" was sold for over $250 million, making it one of the most expensive paintings ever sold ([source](https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/03/arts/design/cezannes-the-card-players-sold-for-more-than-250-million.html)).
- **Influence on Modern Art**: Cezanne's innovative use of color and brushstrokes influenced many 20th-century artists, including Picasso and Matisse. His work laid the groundwork for the development of modern art ([source](https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/paul-cezanne-924)).

## Conclusion

Paul Cezanne's journey from obscurity to recognition is a testament to the enduring power of art. Despite the neglect and damage his works suffered, they eventually found their place in the annals of art history. Today, Cezanne is celebrated as a visionary who paved the way for modern art, proving that true genius is often recognized only in hindsight.