2006 marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Paul Cézanne (1839-1906), one of the most influential, recognised and well-loved artists of all time. To mark the centenary, the National Gallery is holding an exhibition of the artist's work drawn entirely from British private and public collections. These 'premonitory symptoms of a New Art' were crucial to the arrival of modern art in Britain when first shown here in the first decades of the 20th century. About 40 works are to be included, tracing the development of Cézanne's art from its beginnings in the 1860s up until his death. Cézanne will be presented as a stylistic innovator, constantly struggling to perfect his art. The exhibition will also tell the story of how the works included in the show first arrived in this country, and the role played by collectors, dealers, museums and critics in establishing Cézanne's reputation.

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