Texes Art EC-12 Practice Exam

What influence did Cezanne have on modern art?

1. He popularized realism in painting

2. He influenced cubism by stressing structural components in nature

3. He was known for his vibrant color palette

4. He focused primarily on portraiture

The correct answer is: He influenced cubism by stressing structural components in nature

Cézanne's influence on modern art is best characterized by his emphasis on the structural components of nature, which laid the groundwork for the development of Cubism. He approached painting with a desire to depict the underlying forms and volumes in nature rather than merely represent the surface appearance. Cézanne’s technique involved breaking down objects into geometric shapes, which encouraged later artists, such as Picasso and Braque, to explore abstraction and the fragmentation of forms fundamental to Cubism. His method of representing space and depth through color and brushstroke also encouraged a more analytical approach to composition. By focusing on how three-dimensional forms could be represented on a two-dimensional surface, Cézanne significantly shifted the paradigm of art, leading to new interpretations of perspective and structure in painting. This transformative impact on how artists viewed and created their work is a cornerstone of modern art movements that followed him.