The area of L’Estaque left its impression on the first half of Cézanne’s output. He stayed there several times between 1869 and 1890. This part of Provence became the preferred field of inquiry in which he developed his early style towards the plenitude of his mature years. The impact of Impressionism, especially of Pissarro, around 1872, was to cause a shift in his approach, experimenting with brushwork and lightening of the palette.

In contrast with the Impressionists’ desire to seize the moment, to capture the fleeting vibrations of light, Cézanne was already attracted to more permanent aspects. In 1882, Renoir and Cézanne worked together on the motif. While for Renoir the landscape around was vaporous, almost gentle, Cézanne sought to structure his vision, from the overall composition to the details of brushwork.

Cézanne pursued his vision rigorously, stubbornly seeking more structure from his brushstrokes. Gradually the sea, the roof tiles, the walls no longer vibrated with paint applied for atomized effect. Cézanne had gone beyond Impressionism. His composition bound each element together so securely as to create the sensation of perfect equilibrium.