To Cézanne, an apple wasn’t just an apple—it was a puzzle waiting to be solved. He painted with the precision of a builder, stacking color and shape like quiet architecture. Still lifes, landscapes, and even mountain scenes felt solid under his brush. He wasn’t chasing beauty—he was chasing structure, balance, and a new way of seeing. While others aimed for perfection, Cézanne focused on foundation. And in doing so, he didn’t just inspire Cubism—he gave modern art its backbone.