"Paul may have the genius of a great painter, but he will never possess the genius actually to become one. He despairs at even the smallest obstacle." This harsh criticism by Cezanne's friend of his youth, Emile Zola, re mained true of him throughout his life and his career as an artist. Deep inside, he had a belief in his own genius and a determination to pursue his artistic goals, and this belief remained unshaken by frequent periods of self-doubt and despondency. Another of Cezanne's traits was his refusal to make any form of artistic compromise or concession to society, and this often made him appear a strange and eccentric figure.
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