Since Cézanne

"Since Cézanne" by Clive Bell is a collection of essays that critically examines the evolution of modern art in light of Cézanne's profound influence, likely written in the early 20th century. The text explores the relationship between artistic theory and practice and the pivotal role Cézanne played in shaping the movements that followed him, including Fauvism and Cubism, while addressing the implications of these shifts on contemporary painters. The opening of the work sets the stage for this exploration by acknowledging the dual focus of the essays: one on the aesthetic theories that emerged after Cézanne and the other on the significant artists influenced by his style. Bell delves into the nature of Cézanne's directness and use of distortion as an artistic method, illustrating how he prompted a generation of artists to reevaluate their own approaches to painting. Furthermore, the introduction suggests that the development of art theory had been heavily intertwined with the artistic practice initiated by Cézanne and his contemporaries, informing a broader discussion about the state of modern art within the context of historical traditions.