Paul Cézanne studio in Aix-en-Provence

Paul Cézanne studio in Aix-en-Provence Cézanne's studio was furnished with just a few essential items, such as a table, a stove with a long pipe, a chest of drawers, and a stool. © Helene Rogers - age fotostock

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Many people who visit his studio today will be able to imagine Cézanne preparing his canvases at dawn in the studio before going out to paint.
Indeed, the artist's presence still lingers in this place, which was closed following his death and has remained intact ever since. This studio at Les Lauves, situated on a hill of the same name, was built according to the plans drawn up by Cézanne following the sale of the Jas de Bouffan property. The painter's workplace from 1902 to 1904, Jas de Bouffan was also a haven and a place of contemplation.
When the weather was fine, Paul Cézanne went all over the countryside to paint, and when it began to rain he would paint still life in his studio.
"One might think that a sugar bowl has no life or soul, but these things change every day. You just have to be able to draw them out bit by bit", mused Cézanne about the subjects of his work. His still life subjects were everyday objects that can still be seen when you visit the studio: a table, a chest of drawers, a stool, a large easel, a couch and a few chairs, a stove with a long pipe, local faience pottery, a pot of ginger and another of olives, a fruit bowl, three skulls, a little plaster cupid by François Duquesnoy, prints and copies made by Cézanne and the great masters of the Louvre: Signorelli, Delacroix, Courbet and Rubens.
The fact that the premises have been kept intact since the painter passed away make this studio not an art museum but a museum of personal objects (you can even see the painter's country clothes). All in all, Paul Cézanne completed around ten works here, including the last paintings in the 'The Bathers' series.
9, avenue Paul-Cézanne, 13090 Aix-en-Provence, France.
Tel.: (+33) (0)4 42 21 06 53
Opening hours: from the 1st October to 31st March, daily from 10:00am to 12:00pm and from 2:00pm to 5:00pm.
From the 1st April to 14th June, from 10:00am to 12:00pm and from 2:30pm to 6:00pm. From the 15th June to 30th September, from 10:00am to 6:30pm.
Entry price: ?4.