Paul Cézanne is considered the father of modern art, but his road to artistic immortality was paved with professional obstacles and self-doubt. Born to a wealthy family, Cézanne turned his back on his father's banking business and moved to Paris to pursue a career as an artist. The rigid style of traditional painting did not interest him. He believed all the rules prevented artists from fully expressing themselves. Rather than conform, he fell in with a group of maverick artists known as the Impressionists. What set Cézanne apart was his use of color and light. He also took his canvases outside to paint in natural light.

Cézanne worked in anonymity for most of his life, struggling with critical rejection, destroyed friendships, and isolation. It wasn't until after his death that he earned the recognition that eluded him in life.