A major exhibition titled “Cézanne et nous” (Cézanne and Us) is currently on display at the Grand Palais in Paris, highlighting the work of Paul Cézanne, a French post-impressionist painter, and the artists who were influenced by him. The exhibition, which will remain open until January 17, features over 170 works, including 69 by Cézanne himself and 78 by other artists. It follows the success of a previous exhibition dedicated to Henri Matisse, which drew nearly 560,000 visitors. Claire Bernardi, director of the Orangerie Museum and one of the co-organizers of the exhibition, emphasized Cézanne’s profound impact on modern art. She noted that Cézanne is considered “one of the uncontested fathers of Western modern art” and had an “unparalleled influence” on 20th-century painters. Despite his importance, Cézanne was rarely exhibited during his lifetime and often faced ridicule from critics. His work gained recognition largely due to the support of art dealer Ambroise Vollard, who helped promote his talent. The exhibition draws connections between Cézanne’s iconic subjects—such as his paintings of apples, bathers, self-portraits, and the mountain Sainte-Victoire—and the works of avant-garde artists from the early 20th century. Pablo Picasso once said, “He was my only master (...) He was like our father to all,” while Auguste Renoir admired Cézanne’s ability to create beauty with a single brushstroke, stating, “Cézanne only needs to apply a stroke of color on a canvas for it to be interesting; it is nothing and it is beautiful.” The exhibition includes a modern take on Cézanne’s Bather in the form of a large painting by Peter Doig, created in 2023, displayed alongside Cézanne’s original work. Curator Michel Gauthier from the Pompidou Center pointed out that Cézanne’s legacy is “extraordinarily diverse,” as different generations of artists and viewers have interpreted his work in various ways. However, not all artists admired Cézanne. The surrealists, for instance, despised his style, and Salvador Dalí famously called him “the worst of painters.” Despite such criticisms, the exhibition underscores Cézanne’s enduring influence, showing how his innovative techniques continue to inspire artists across time.