Top 10 Facts about Paul Gauguin


 

Born Eugène-Henri-Paul Gauguin in 1848, in Paris, this French painter, printmaker and sculptor are categorized as a Post- Impressionist, Synthetic and Symbolist artist. A testament to his journey finding his rhythm and style as an artist.

His first occupation was stockbroking, a job secured for him by his uncle who became his guardian after his parents’ death. Gauguin married Danish Mette Sophie Gad, with whom he had five children. He, however, had other children with his other mistresses in France and Tahiti. Two of Gauguin’s sons followed in their father’s footsteps and became artists.

Paul Gauguin’s artistic journey began when he saw his Uncle Arosa’s art collection, as well as from his workmate during his stock brokerage days, with whom he painted. Gauguin got into full-time painting, traversing the country trying to make a name for himself as well as provide for his family after his job as a stockbroker came to an end.

Gauguin’s story is somewhat eclectic; the top 10 facts about him gives a look into his fascinating life.

1. Gauguin developed Synthetism

Paul Gauguin- by The Yorck Project- Wikimedia Commons

Gauguin learned how to paint from artists such as Pissarro and Cezanne. He also was with the Impressionists’ movement and was invited to exhibit with them. Like many an artist, Gauguin was determined to find his own voice.

His personal style combined with influences from his travel resulted in his putting together pieces of formal elements synthesized with emotions, hence “Synthetism”.

His style had him paint with broad planes of color, simple forms and clear outlines. They exhibited a certain directness that they didn’t have before.

2. He was suspected of mutilating Van Gogh’s ear

Gauguin and Van Gogh stayed together in Arles in 1988, where they indulged in art and argued the rest of the time about art’s true purpose. One time the arguments went too far and Van Gogh ended up with a mutilated ear.

There were investigations and interrogation of the artists present in Arles as well. The conclusion- Gauguin was responsible for Van Gogh’s ear, and he used a sword, not a razer as claimed.  It is speculated that Van Gogh claimed self-mutilation by razor to protect Gauguin.

The two artists didn’t see eye to eye on anything after this, and Gauguin moved away.

3. Gauguin lived in poverty for most of his life

Gauguin’s 300 dollar “When Will You Marry”- Wikimedia Commons

While the narrative “a struggling artist” is not very bizarre, it is disheartening that Gauguin, like some of his counterparts in the industry, did not live to see the fruits of his labor. The artist died before his works got the attention they deserved.

Ironically, his piece “When will you marry” is one of the most expensive in the world, valued at 300 million dollars and sold in 2015 to an unknown buyer.

When his stockbroking job ended, he became a full-time artist living a very modest life.

4. He identified with Jesus!

Paul Gauguin- by The Yorck Project- Wikimedia Commons

Gauguin’s painting of Jesus at the cross but with his own facial features can be construed as blasphemy! Gauguin would, however, plead his suffering and burden to that of Jesus. He felt misunderstood and lonely, just like Jesus was.

5. A crater on Mercury is named after Gauguin

Planet Mercury’s craters are named after deceased artists, writers and cultural figures by the International Astronomical Union. Gauguin got this honor in 1979, many years after his death. A seventy- kilometer wide crater in the Borealis quadrangle of Mercury is called Gauguin.

6. Gauguin was a collector

A Paul Gauguin painting- by The Yorck Project- Wikimedia Commons

The painter had a large collection of objects such as drawings, paintings, prints, sculptures from Tahiti, a small group of pornographic photos and pottery. His collection included his friends’ and Modernist colleagues’ works such as Manet, Monet, Pissarro and Cézanne.

Gauguin developed his collection early on, building it over the course of his life. He loved his collection and kept it with him during his travels.

7. Gauguin significantly influenced Picasso

Some of Gauguin’s work featuring large, heavy sculptures of nude women with exaggerated features ended up on display at the Salon d’Automne of 1903 and 1906. Picasso saw this and his interest in Gauguin’s work and style grew.

The artist had already captured Picasso’s interest when he saw the works brought to Paris by contemporaries like Paco Durio. The primitivism that Gauguin once chased showed through in his works, and this greatly contributed to Picasso’s development of Cubism.

Gauguin’s work portraying mask-like appearances in his figures also helped Picasso develop the forms appearing in his Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. To inspire the great Picasso, Gauguin must have been made of something great.

8. Gauguin’s life has been captured on film

Gauguin died in 1903 but has been immortalized through film. His character has been taken on by leading actors such as Anthony Quinn in “Lust for Life”, Donald Sutherland in “Oviri” and Vincent Cassel in “Voyage to Tahiti” among others.

Many films have been produced about the artist and his lifetime that are still available today.

9. He attempted suicide

Tahitian Landscape- by KwGHL1HBlRbiIg- Wikimedia Commons

Gauguin attempted suicide by self- poisoning but was unsuccessful.

The attempt happen when he lived in Marquesas Island, away from his family. He had left them, pursuing a life in a more natural environment or conditions. Gauguin spent the last period of his life here, obsessing about his own mortality.

He did produce some works during this time; figures he had used in his earlier paintings re-emerged in his works. He also painted like he did when he was starting out- not giving his work too much time as if he had other priorities.

His last painting before his suicide attempt spoke volumes- “Where do we come from? What Are We? Where Are We Going?” (D’où venons-nous ? Qui sommes-nous ? Où allons-nous ?)

10. Gauguin was in poor health most of his life

Years of alcoholism and sexual debauchery that had him contract syphilis played a number on Gauguin’s body. He became very weak. He fought in a bar injuring his ankle, which never quite healed. The resultant open sores from this wound were made worse by his syphilis.

To numb the pain, Gauguin drank more alcohol and used morphine, laudanum and opium, drugs which intensified his sicknesses.

 

Gauguin died in 1903 from a morphine overdose and possible heart attack.

After his death, most of his paintings, letters and his beloved collection were auctioned. However, most were pornographic in nature and were destroyed!

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