Exhibition Announcement and Catalogue for a Cézanne show at the Galerie Vollard (May 9–June 10, 1898)

The Exhibition Announcement and Catalogue for a Cézanne show at the Galerie Vollard (May 9–June 10, 1898) by Paul Cézanne is a rare historical artifact preserved as a relief print. Created in 1898, this document serves not only as an official record of the exhibition but also highlights the critical role played by dealer Ambroise Vollard in promoting the post-Impressionist master’s work. The medium of relief print, likely chosen for its efficiency and affordability in rapid reproduction, underscores the work’s primary function as an ephemeral piece of publicity crucial for drawing clientele to the avant-garde venue.

By 1898, Cézanne, though recognized as a revolutionary figure, was only beginning to receive the consistent commercial and institutional support that defined his later legacy. The Galerie Vollard exhibition was instrumental in solidifying Cézanne's place among the leading modern artists, providing collectors and critics with a dedicated view of his complex, transformative compositions. This particular piece, classified as a print, offers insight into the practical business of art dealing at the turn of the century, demonstrating how these material documents functioned to advertise and inventory significant cultural moments.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this significant piece in its permanent collection, ensuring the study of its historical context alongside other pivotal works from this period. Documents like this catalogue announcement are vital primary sources for understanding the art market and the development of modern exhibitions. Though the original is a unique object, the nature of prints allows similar materials of historical importance to eventually enter the public domain for broader educational access.