Paul Alexis Reading a Manuscript to Emile Zola 1870

Cézanne painted “Paul Alexis Reading a Manuscript to Emile Zola” in France, but its exact date is unknown. It presents an intimate look into the literary world of 19th-century Paris. Alexis, an author, reads to Zola, the renowned novelist known for his contributions to the Realist movement. Realism sought to depict life as it truly was, without romanticism, and often focusing on the lives of the working class. Consider the setting: a modest interior, perhaps reflecting the bohemian lifestyle of these intellectuals. The choice to portray writers, rather than, say, aristocrats, speaks to a shifting social focus. Art historians consult letters, reviews, and biographies to fully understand how the piece reflects the artistic values of the period, as well as the relationship between Cézanne, Zola, and Alexis. Only then can we understand the complex interplay between art and society.