Small Delft vase with flowers

1870–1871

Franco-Prussian War: Life in L'Estaque

During the war he lived with Hortense Fiquet in the fishing village of L'Estaque near Marseille and evaded conscription; in January 1871 he was declared a deserter but managed to avoid capture.

1872

Working with Pissarro in Pontoise

At Pissarro's invitation he worked in Pontoise; his mentor persuaded him to abandon dark tones and paint with the three primary colors, which lightened Cézanne's palette.

1872

Son born: Paul Cézanne

4 January 1872

Birth of His Son Paul

Cézanne and Hortense Fiquet had a son, Paul. The relationship and the child were concealed from the artist's father for fear of losing his allowance.

late 1872 – 1874

Auvers-sur-Oise: Meeting Dr. Gachet

He lived with Hortense and their son in Auvers-sur-Oise, where he met the physician and art lover Paul Gachet (later Van Gogh's doctor), who made his studio available to him.

15 April – 15 May 1874

First Impressionist Exhibition

He took part in the first group exhibition of the future Impressionists in the studio of the photographer Nadar; his "A Modern Olympia" provoked critical outrage. "The House of the Hanged Man" was bought by Count Doria for 300 francs — one of the few paintings sold.