If you want to see Cézanne’s studio with all its original props, you just have a couple of months before key items are sent to Japan for a major expo. These include his Provencal olive pot which he moved between his homes in Aix and painted 22 times; his ginger jar which has already travelled for an exhibition in London; a bottle of Jamaica rum; a green jug; the six-piece screen from his childhood home; and the plaster figure which appeared in 12 paintings.
The curator has sent the Japanese the exact dimensions of the studio so that it can be reproduced in the National Art Centre where the exhibition will take place.
Not all requests were met though – the large easel was thought too delicate to travel as were the 3 skulls Cézanne painted. No-one seems to know whose they were either which complicated things further!
Also travelling will be the little red pine table that he used for still lifes though it is having to be treated with insecticide to prevent the Japanese getting more than they bargained for.
In return, the studio will receive 100,000 euros which will go towards the restoration of the ground floor and the construction of a temporary exhibition space.
