Cinq baigneurs (Five Bathers)

early 1869

Meeting Hortense Fiquet

In early 1869, at the Académie Suisse, he met Marie-Hortense Fiquet, a bookbinder's assistant eleven years his junior — his future wife.

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.

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.

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.

1877