Cézanne, said Paul Sérusier, was “a pure painter” […] Of an ordinary painter’s apple you say ‘I could take a bite out of it.’ Of Cézanne’s apple, you say ‘It’s beautiful’.” Sérusier’s words refer to Cézanne’s almost exclusive dedication to painterly questions. Rather than telling us about the represented object, its history or psychology, his works explore the picturing itself, the very act of creating a painted image. This lecture focuses on Cézanne’s painting techniques and creative process. We will also reflect upon his choice of subjects (bathers, still-lifes with apples, card players, and the Mont Sainte-Victoire) as well as his personality. Finally, we will address his status in art history. Many younger artists considered Cézanne as "the father of modern art", implying that his example was essential for the early developments of 20th century art.