Paul Cézanne (1839–1906) was a French Post-Impressionist painter whose innovative approach to form and color laid the groundwork for the transition from 19th-century Impressionism to 20th-century modernism. Born in Aix-en-Provence, Cézanne developed a distinctive style characterized by methodical brushstrokes and the use of geometric simplification to depict nature, influencing movements such as Cubism and Fauvism. His persistent exploration of visual perception and structural composition is evident in his series of still lifes, portraits, and landscapes, notably the recurring depictions of Mont Sainte-Victoire. Despite initial resistance from the art establishment, Cézanne's work gained recognition later in his life, profoundly impacting artists like Picasso and Matisse, who regarded him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern art.