They hid major works by their illustrious ancestor at the home of Albert André, who was the painting teacher of Paul Cezanne's grandson. A baby Cezanne will be born in Bagnols… Here is the Christmas story written and offered by Elian Cellier, president of the association of friends of the painter Albert André, and a history buff.
In the early morning of December 24, 2024, freshly returned from Aix-en-Provence to prepare for a cultural visit in 2025, the history professor and president of the association of friends of the painter Albert André, Elian Cellier, ardent defender of the history and heritage offered by the painter and his adopted daughter, was inspired to write this Christmas tale, in connection with these great names in the history of art… Here is the historical Christmas tale by Elian Cellier.
Protecting paintings by Renoir and Cezanne
“The story begins in June 1940. The “phony war” ended a month ago, the Germans who were waiting behind the Maginot Line decided to attack France which would not resist for long despite the bravery of our soldiers. in mid-June, the German army entered Paris Pierre, Jean and Claude, sons of Auguste Renoir, and Paul, son of Paul Cezanne, together took a strong room in a bank near the Paris Opera. to protect some paintings by their respective fathers We know of the Nazis' desire to seize works of art. Jean-Pierre Cezanne, son of Paul Junior, just married Marjorie Koppenhague this June. who is of Jewish origin. In addition to protecting the masterpieces, Marjorie must also be kept safe. We know how bad the Nazis think of the Jews.
The Renoir and Cezanne families leave Paris. Their paths will separate. The Renoirs will leave for the United States and the Cezannes will go to the South of France, heading to Gard where a friendly family awaits them. It is this brave Albert André, who was Jean-Pierre's painting teacher, who is preparing with his family to welcome them to Laudun. In the Cezanne family's luggage, a few paintings by the master to hide: Self-portrait with palette ; Sainte-Victoire mountain et L’Estaque.
A haven of peace while war rages
The painter's house in Laudun is the right place to hide the paintings. After several weeks of travels, the Cezanne family found a haven of peace in the Rhone Gard. This Christmas story wouldn't be a Christmas story if a child wasn't about to be born. Albert prepares his secular crèche[il l’appelait comme cela]! And Jacqueline her Christmas decorations from pine cones, acorns and plant elements collected at the César camp in Laudun
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Marjorie and Jean-Pierre have been in the South for several weeks. They settled on Boulevard Lacombe in Bagnols-sur-Cèze. They had married the previous June, Marjorie's belly grew rounder. And even if the news is not good on the war front, the little family is waiting for a happy event. The child will not be born on Christmas Day, but at the beginning of January… We know that the official date of Christmas did not become so until 354 AD to take advantage of a pagan festival popular at the time around the solstice winter.
Little Philippe Cezanne was born at the beginning of 1941 in Bagnols and this story of a refugee couple is very similar to that of Joseph and Marie.” Back to the present, Elian Cellier concludes:
Families in Laudun still have some of these natural Christmas decorations created by Jacqueline Bret-André today.
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