Cézanne. Life

One of the key figures in 20th-century art, Paul Cézanne became a legend even during his lifetime. His biography is surrounded by myths, and his work has been the subject of speculations by psychoanalysts. Alex Danchev, with the professionalism of a restorer, meticulously removes the numerous layers one by one, revealing the true person and creator – a sensitive, intelligent, educated individual, deeply rooted in the classical tradition and able to reinterpret it. His uncompromising nature, incredible self-demand, and absolute selflessness made Cézanne a role model, an inspiration, and a mentor for many generations of artists. In the pages of the book, the author gives voice not only to the artist himself but also to the people around him, his friends and enemies, mentors and followers, as well as pillars of contemporary culture who have chosen Paul Cézanne as a standard, messiah, talisman, or relentless antagonist. Matisse, Gauguin, Picasso, Rilke, Beckett, and Heidegger unveil the secret of the hypnotic influence that Cézanne had on 20th-century art, forever changing our perception of the world.