Reviews for Paul Cezanne, Letters

The average rating for Paul Cezanne, Letters based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2014-01-17 00:00:00 Ifjdfdif Ikipkph During his lifetime, Cezanne had already become fabled, one critic in 1894 describing him as "a man who has lived and lives a fine interior novel, haunted by the demon of art." Now, more than a century after his death, this scrupulously-produced book brings to life the man in harmony with the genius. Until their falling out in 1886 most of the letters are to Emile Zola, and this portrait of a great friendship is utterly captivating. Other addresses include Impressionists Pissarro and Monet, and many writers and artists notable in their day, as well as anonymous colour merchants and whatnot. Family letters allow us into the inner sanctum of the painter's life, and there are two letters written by Cezanne's wife, Hortense, that challenge the unflattering picture of this woman that has germinated over the years. Thames & Hudson are to be congratulated for the care that has gone into this magnificent volume; binding and paper exquisite, illustrations chosen with intelligence, and reproductions of the actual letters that go as far as possible towards placing them in our hands. This is the kind of publication that argues strongly for the continued existence of the book as artefact.

Review # 2 was written on 2020-05-06 00:00:00 Michael Persico These letters paint an insightful portrait of Cezanne in his life-long pursuit of self-expression. They are beautifully translated, and conveyed through wonderful nineteenth eloquence and candid and occasionally humorous phraseology. The different tones of youth, middle age and old age give dimension to the journey of the artist.