Flower Pots 1887

Paul Cézanne painted these flower pots in watercolor, but the exact date remains unknown. While seemingly a simple still life, this work gives us insight into Cézanne's broader project. Born in Aix-en-Provence, France, Cézanne lived through a time of immense social and political upheaval. As modern life rapidly transformed France, many artists grappled with questions of identity and the role of art in society. Cézanne turned away from the academic painting of his time, as the art world was rapidly changing with the rise of impressionism and the avant-garde. Instead, he focused on conveying the sensory experience of the world around him. These flower pots offer a quiet intimacy, celebrating the beauty of the everyday. They invite us to slow down and reflect on the simple moments of life, connecting with the earth and the cycle of growth.