Meaning: The quote "I paint as if I were Rothschild" by Paul Cezanne is a fascinating insight into the artist's approach to his work and his mindset as he created his masterpieces. Paul Cezanne was a renowned French artist who is often credited as the father of modern art. His innovative approach to painting and his unique style had a profound impact on the development of modern art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

When Cezanne made the statement "I paint as if I were Rothschild," he was expressing a sense of grandeur and ambition in his artistic endeavors. The reference to Rothschild, a prominent and wealthy European banking family, suggests that Cezanne approached his art with a sense of nobility and prestige. He aspired to create works of art that reflected the sophistication and refinement associated with the upper echelons of society.

Cezanne's comparison of his own artistic process to that of a member of the Rothschild family also hints at a desire for his work to be seen as valuable and prestigious. The Rothschild family was known for its wealth, influence, and patronage of the arts, so by aligning his artistic approach with the image of a Rothschild, Cezanne may have been seeking to elevate the status of his own work in the eyes of the art world and potential patrons.

This statement also sheds light on Cezanne's mindset as an artist. It suggests that he approached his painting with a sense of confidence and self-assuredness, akin to that of a member of the Rothschild family. This self-assuredness is reflected in his bold and innovative approach to painting, which defied traditional artistic conventions and paved the way for the development of modern art.

In terms of style and technique, Cezanne's approach to painting was indeed reminiscent of the opulence associated with the Rothschild family. His use of color, form, and composition demonstrated a meticulous attention to detail and a dedication to capturing the beauty and complexity of the world around him. Cezanne's still lifes, landscapes, and portraits exude a sense of refinement and elegance, much like the art collection of a wealthy and sophisticated patron.

Furthermore, Cezanne's comparison of his painting to the actions of a Rothschild also speaks to the financial and social implications of his art. At the time when he made this statement, the art world was closely intertwined with the patronage of wealthy individuals and institutions. By aligning his work with the image of a Rothschild, Cezanne may have been signaling to potential patrons that his art was worthy of their support and investment.

In conclusion, Cezanne's quote "I paint as if I were Rothschild" offers a glimpse into the artist's mindset and approach to his work. It reflects his ambition, self-assuredness, and desire for his art to be seen as prestigious and valuable. It also speaks to the influence of wealth and patronage in the art world at the time. Cezanne's comparison of his painting to the actions of a Rothschild provides valuable insight into the motivations and aspirations that drove his groundbreaking artistic practice.