Trouble with the French accent | The Tate removes Cézanne's acute accent

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In the run-up to the grand exhibition dedicated to Paul Cézanne at the Tate Modern in London, starting October 5th, the organisers were faced with a dilemma: how to spell the man of the hour's last name?

If the rules of french language would have it that the acute accent is essential so as not to twist his surname as "Ceuzanne", an opinion not shared by his grandson Philippe, as reported by The Art Newspaper

 

Indeed, in his native Provence, Cézanne was written without an accent, and it was only through the writings of historians over the years that the accent was added to avoid confusion. This can be attested by the family signatures and those of the artist himself.

 

Although the Cezanne Society has stated its opinion on the matter, the choice remains up to each individual to choose between the linguistic norm and family tradition, as Philippe confirmed: "There will never be a diktat, or segregation, even less a decree on my part, simply a respectful incitement."