Meaning: The quote "My nervous system is enfeebled, only work in oils can sustain me" is attributed to the influential French Post-Impressionist artist, Paul Cézanne. This quote offers insight into Cézanne's personal struggles and the unique relationship he had with his chosen medium, oil painting. It reveals the profound connection Cézanne felt to his work in oils and the vital role it played in sustaining him, both creatively and emotionally.

Throughout his career, Cézanne was known for his dedication to exploring the expressive potential of oil painting. His commitment to the medium was unwavering, and he continually sought to push its boundaries and harness its power to convey his artistic vision. Cézanne's quote suggests that for him, working with oils was not just a creative pursuit but also a source of personal strength and resilience.

Cézanne's use of the term "nervous system" in the quote may be interpreted in various ways. It could allude to the artist's psychological and emotional state, hinting at the challenges and pressures he faced in his life and artistic practice. Additionally, it may reflect Cézanne's sensitivity to the world around him, as well as his heightened awareness of sensory stimuli. This heightened sensitivity could have contributed to his need for a medium that allowed for nuanced expression and depth of feeling, such as oil painting.

The phrase "enfeebled" suggests a state of weakness or vulnerability, indicating that Cézanne may have experienced periods of physical or emotional fragility. This vulnerability may have been exacerbated by the demands of his artistic pursuits and the intense introspection inherent in his creative process. In this context, Cézanne's reliance on oil painting as a sustaining force takes on added significance, highlighting the therapeutic and restorative qualities he found in the act of painting with oils.

Cézanne's deep attachment to oil painting can be understood within the broader context of his artistic philosophy and practice. He was renowned for his meticulous approach to color, form, and composition, and his methodical exploration of the natural world. Cézanne's devotion to oils as a means of expression allowed him to delve into the complexities of perception and representation, capturing the nuances of light, space, and texture with a remarkable sensitivity.

Furthermore, Cézanne's quote sheds light on the profound relationship between artists and their chosen mediums. For Cézanne, oil painting was not simply a technical or aesthetic choice; it was a fundamental part of his identity as an artist. The act of applying paint to canvas became a deeply personal and sustaining endeavor, enabling him to confront and transcend the challenges he faced.

In conclusion, Paul Cézanne's quote "My nervous system is enfeebled, only work in oils can sustain me" offers a glimpse into the profound connection between the artist and his chosen medium. It speaks to Cézanne's personal struggles, his emotional resilience, and the vital role that oil painting played in sustaining him. This quote serves as a reminder of the profound and multifaceted relationship that artists have with their creative tools, and the ways in which these tools become intertwined with their very being.