Cezanne

Bridge Over the Marne at Creteil, by Cezanne

Cezanne is one of those artists whose paintings have taken a long time to grow on me. When I first studied his works I honestly didn't like them very much. The masterpieces of Monet and the other Impressionists held more instant appeal - Cezanne's paintings seemed dull and sometimes strange by comparison. But after many months, perhaps years, of casually observing his paintings in books and the like, I am finally learning to appreciate the genius and brilliance of Cezanne. I particularly like his landscapes. Above is one of my favourites out of the many landscapes painted by Cezanne.

It is a picture of such simple, serene beauty. The exquisite shades of blue and green in the sky and the trees, reflected in the water, combine to create an image of loveliness and tranquility.

And yet, there is depth to it - this is not a painting of fleeting, superficial sparkle. As with so many of Cezanne's paintings, there is an underlying sense of solidity and strength. And of endurance - one gets the feeling that this is a painting that will endure.

A fascinating painting by one of the great masters of modern art.