Paul Cézanne was one of the rare impressionists ot have spent time studying in Paris only to leave and paint elsewhere – first going the outskirts and nearby countryside, and finally back to his birthplace in Aix-en-Provence. However, Paris inspired him greatly, as the large new exhibition shows…

© RMN / Hervé Lewandowski

Organised with the help of the Petit Palais, the Beaux-Arts Museum belonging to the Paris Council, and expanded with special loans from the Musée d’Orsay, this exhibition brings together around 80 major works of Cézanne from around the world, explaining how he spent his time in the city, and displaying his love of nature and still lifes.

© RMN / Agence Bulloz

And if Cézanne started out hesitantly and in admiration of other artists, the situation was reversed towards the end of his life; Mondrian and Kandinsky both said he was an influence, and Picasso called him « like the father of us all ». The Cézanne and Paris exhibition promises to show us many of his most magnificent paintings.

© RMN / Hervé Lewandowski

© Museum of Fine Arts Boston

The exhibition Cézanne and Paris is at the Musée du Luxembourg (here) from 12th October 2011 – 26th February 2012.

Group bookings open 24th May 2011 at 2pm. Invidivudal bookings open 9th June.

The museum is open every day from 10am – 8pm (10pm Fridays and Saturdays). Last ticket 30 minutes before closing. Rooms start to close 15 minutes before closing time. Closed 25th December.

Admission: 11€ / 7€

Official site: www.museeduluxembourg.fr