Table of Contents
Who Was Paul Gauguin?
Paul Gauguin, a French post-Impressionist artist, was a pivotal figure in the Symbolist art movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Renowned for his distinctive use of vibrant colors, exaggerated body proportions, and dramatic contrasts, Gauguin’s work diverged from the conventional approaches of his time. His innovative style helped pave the way for the Primitivism movement, and his exploration of exotic locales, particularly his time in Tahiti, became central to his artistic identity.
Early Life
Born in Paris on June 7, 1848, Gauguin’s early life was marked by significant upheaval. After the death of his journalist father during their journey to Peru, Gauguin and his family returned to France. In his youth, he briefly pursued a career as a merchant marine and later served in the French Navy. Eventually, Gauguin transitioned to a career as a stockbroker. He married Danish woman Mette Gad in 1873, with whom he had five children. However, despite his family responsibilities, Gauguin’s true passion lay in art, and he gradually distanced himself from both his professional and familial obligations to focus on his artistic ambitions.
Emerging Artist
Initially a self-taught artist, Gauguin began painting in his spare time. His works gained recognition when one was accepted into the prestigious “Salon of 1876” in Paris. Around this time, he encountered Camille Pissarro, a leading figure among the Impressionists, whose influence would shape Gauguin’s development. Gauguin’s participation in the 1879 Impressionist exhibition, alongside renowned artists such as Pissarro, Edgar Degas, and Claude Monet, further cemented his place within the avant-garde art world.
By 1883, Gauguin abandoned his career as a stockbroker, opting to dedicate himself entirely to painting. This marked a turning point in both his personal and professional life, as he separated from his wife and children. He moved to Brittany, where he explored themes that would characterize much of his work, such as the rural life of the French countryside. In 1888, Gauguin produced Vision of the Sermon, one of his most iconic paintings, which depicted the Biblical story of Jacob wrestling with an angel in bold, saturated colors. The following year, he painted The Yellow Christ, a striking interpretation of Christ’s crucifixion.
A Controversial Figure
Gauguin was known for his unconventional lifestyle and complex personality. He often referred to himself as a “savage” and claimed to have Incan ancestry, reflecting his desire to distance himself from Western societal norms. His fondness for alcohol and tumultuous personal relationships eventually contributed to his contracting syphilis.
Gauguin’s relationship with fellow artist Vincent van Gogh is one of the more famous chapters in his life. The two spent several weeks together in 1888 at van Gogh’s home in Arles, where their collaboration ended in conflict when van Gogh famously attacked Gauguin with a razor. Despite this, Gauguin continued to produce some of his most celebrated works during this period, including Vision After the Sermon, which remains a testament to his unique artistic vision.
Through his bold use of color, departure from traditional techniques, and exploration of non-Western cultures, Gauguin established himself as one of the most influential and innovative artists of his era.
Artist in Exile
In 1891, seeking to escape the constraints of European society, Paul Gauguin moved to Tahiti, believing it would offer him both personal and creative freedom. However, upon arriving, he was disillusioned to find that much of the island had been westernized under French colonial rule. In response, Gauguin chose to live among the indigenous Tahitians, away from the European settlers in the capital.
During this period, Gauguin drew inspiration from both Tahitian culture and his own artistic background, creating groundbreaking works. One of his notable pieces, La Orana Maria, reimagined Christian religious figures, transforming the Virgin Mary and Jesus into a Tahitian mother and child. Another significant work, Oviri, was a carved sculpture that, despite its name—derived from the Tahitian word for “savage”—was intended by Gauguin to represent a goddess. Additionally, Gauguin’s controversial personal life became entwined with his work, as he entered into a relationship with a 13-year-old Tahitian girl, who became the subject of several of his paintings.
In 1893, Gauguin returned to France, hoping to exhibit his Tahitian-inspired pieces. However, his primitivist style was met with mixed reactions. The artwork did not sell well, and critics and collectors struggled to understand its unique form. Disheartened, Gauguin returned to French Polynesia, continuing his work and creating one of his most famous masterpieces, Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?, a profound depiction of the human life cycle.
Death
In 1901, Gauguin moved to the Marquesas Islands, seeking greater isolation. By this time, his health had significantly deteriorated due to a series of heart attacks and the worsening effects of syphilis. On May 3, 1903, Gauguin passed away at his remote island home, alone and nearly penniless. It was only posthumously that his work began to gain the recognition it deserved, influencing major artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.