What is Paul Cézanne primarily known for in the art world?

Paul Cézanne is primarily known for being the father of Post-Impressionism. This movement followed Impressionism and retained a focus on light and color while emphasizing personal expression and the structure of forms. Cézanne’s innovative approach to composition, use of color, and brushwork significantly influenced modern art and laid the groundwork for various art movements that followed, including Cubism.

Cézanne’s work emphasized geometric shapes and the underlying structure of his subjects, which encouraged artists to explore abstraction and representation in new ways. His famous still lifes, landscapes, and portraits reflect a thorough analysis of visual perception, allowing for a more thoughtful exploration of form and color rather than simple representation.

While he is related to Cubism—a movement that directly took inspiration from his techniques—he is more accurately recognized as a pivotal figure in the development of Post-Impressionism, marking him as a vital transitional artist who pushed the boundaries of traditional artistic techniques.