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

Sixteen Works at the Third Impressionist Exhibition

He presented 16 works at the third Impressionist exhibition, once again met with harsh criticism. It was the last time he exhibited with the Impressionists.