Why did Paul Cezanne keep his relationship with Hortense Fiquet a secret?

Paul Cézanne kept his relationship with Hortense Fiquet a secret primarily due to societal norms and pressures of the time, as they were not married and she was considered a lower social status. Additionally, Cézanne's desire for privacy and his focus on his art often took precedence over personal relationships. This secrecy also reflected his complex personality, characterized by a struggle between his personal life and his artistic ambitions. Ultimately, their relationship remained largely hidden until later in his life.