Paul Cézanne was a French painter born on January 19, 1839, in Aix-en-Provence. He is often referred to as the father of modern art due to his innovative approach to form and color. Cézanne's work focused on the underlying structure of objects, using geometric shapes to depict landscapes, still lifes, and portraits. Cézanne's style evolved throughout his career, moving from traditional Impressionism to a more personal and abstract technique. His famous works, such as "The Card Players" and "Mont Sainte-Victoire," have influenced many artists, including Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, paving the way for modern art movements.