8.3 Paul Gauguin
8 min read•august 19, 2024
, a French Post-Impressionist artist, revolutionized art with his bold colors and Synthetist style. His work diverged from , influencing artists like Picasso and Matisse. Gauguin's unique approach blended Western techniques with non-Western influences.
Gauguin's journey from Paris to and eventually Tahiti shaped his artistic vision. His paintings, characterized by vivid hues and simplified forms, often depicted spiritual themes and exotic cultures. Despite struggling during his lifetime, Gauguin's legacy grew posthumously, impacting various 20th-century art movements.
Life and career of Paul Gauguin
- French Post-Impressionist artist known for his experimental use of color and Synthetist style that were distinctly different from Impressionism
- Gauguin's work was influential to the French avant-garde and many modern artists, such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse
- His art became popular after his death, partially from the efforts of art dealer , who organized exhibitions of his work late in his career
Early years and influences
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- Born in Paris in 1848 to Clovis Gauguin and Aline Marie Chazal
- Spent early years in Peru with his family, where he was exposed to non-Western arts and culture
- Served in the French Navy and later worked as a stockbroker in Paris
- Began painting as a hobby and was influenced by the Impressionists, particularly
Impressionist period in Paris
- Exhibited with the Impressionists in the late 1870s and early 1880s
- Became close friends with and
- Paintings from this period, such as The Market Gardens of Vaugirard (1879), show the influence of Pissarro and Impressionism
- Slowly developed his own style, using bolder colors and simplified forms
Travels to Brittany and Martinique
- Visited Brittany in northwestern France in the mid-1880s, where he was inspired by the rural landscape and
- Paintings like (1888) demonstrate his move towards , with flat areas of color and simplified forms
- Traveled to Martinique in 1887, where he was further influenced by the tropical landscape and non-Western culture
Pivotal move to Tahiti
- Seeking a more primitive lifestyle, Gauguin left France for Tahiti in 1891
- Immersed himself in the local culture, marrying a native woman and adopting their customs
- Created some of his most famous works during this period, such as (1897-98)
- His Tahitian paintings are characterized by bright colors, simplified forms, and a sense of spiritual mysticism
Final years in the Marquesas Islands
- Moved to the Marquesas Islands in 1901 after experiencing legal and health problems in Tahiti
- Continued to paint and made wood carvings and transfer drawings
- Died in 1903 at the age of 54, largely unknown and unappreciated in his lifetime
- Legacy grew posthumously, as his work influenced many 20th-century artists and art movements
Gauguin's artistic style and technique
- Pioneered Synthetism, a Post-Impressionist art movement that emphasized two-dimensional flat patterns, bold colors and simplified forms
- Influenced by various sources, including French medieval stained glass, , and folk art from Brittany and
- Sought to evoke emotion and meaning through color, form and rather than realistic representation
Evolution from Impressionism to Synthetism
- Early works show the influence of Impressionism, with loose brushstrokes and an emphasis on capturing the effects of light
- Gradually developed a more simplified, synthetic style in the late 1880s
- Emphasized flat, decorative patterns and arbitrary, non-naturalistic color
Bold colors and simplified forms
- Used bright, expressive colors to convey emotion and meaning
- Simplified forms into basic shapes and silhouettes, often outlined in dark contours
- Created a sense of depth through contrasting colors and patterns rather than traditional perspective
Influence of folk art and Japanese prints
- Inspired by the bold, flat patterns and stylized forms of medieval stained glass and folk art from Brittany
- Admired the simplified compositions, decorative quality and non-Western perspective of Japanese ukiyo-e prints
- Incorporated these elements into his own work to create a unique, hybrid style
Expressive brushwork and color symbolism
- Used loose, expressive brushstrokes to convey energy and emotion
- Colors were often symbolic rather than naturalistic, used to evoke certain moods or ideas
- Yellow, for example, was associated with , while red could symbolize passion or danger
Woodcuts, ceramics and sculpture
- Experimented with various media beyond painting, including woodcuts, transfer drawings, ceramics and wood carving
- Woodcuts and transfer drawings allowed him to create bold, graphic compositions with flat areas of color
- Created ceramic pieces and wood carvings inspired by Polynesian art and his spiritual beliefs
Major themes in Gauguin's work
- Explored various themes throughout his career, often reflecting his search for a more primitive, authentic way of life away from modern European society
- Themes include the search for spirituality, the beauty of nature, and the critique of Western civilization
- Also depicted Polynesian culture, mythology and the female form in a way that was both celebrating and exoticizing
Primitivism and exoticism
- Sought to escape modern European society by seeking out "primitive" cultures in places like Brittany and Polynesia
- Depicted these cultures as more pure, spiritual and closely connected to nature than the "corrupt" West
- Paintings often present an idealized, romanticized view of these cultures that can be seen as exoticizing or "othering"
Spirituality and mythology
- Interested in various spiritual and mythological traditions, including Christianity, Buddhism and Polynesian beliefs
- Paintings often depict religious scenes or figures, such as (1889) and The Spirit of the Dead Keeps Watch (1892)
- Used symbolism and color to convey spiritual ideas and emotions
Sexuality and the female form
- Many paintings depict nude or semi-nude Polynesian women, often in sensual or suggestive poses
- Reflects Gauguin's fascination with the female form and his idealized view of Polynesian culture as more sexually liberated than the West
- Has been criticized by some as objectifying and exoticizing Polynesian women
Landscapes and nature
- Painted many landscapes throughout his career, both in France and Polynesia
- Used bold, expressive colors and simplified forms to capture the essence and emotion of a scene rather than realistic details
- Landscapes often have a dreamlike, mystical quality that reflects Gauguin's spiritual and symbolic approach
Critiques of Western civilization
- Paintings often contrast the "primitive" and the "civilized," with the implication that Western society is corrupt and artificial
- The painting Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going? (1897-98) can be seen as a meditation on the meaning of life and a critique of Western materialism and colonialism
- At the same time, Gauguin's rejection of the West and idealization of "primitive" cultures has been criticized as a form of escapism and
Key paintings by Paul Gauguin
Vision After the Sermon (1888)
- Depicts Breton women in traditional dress leaving a church after a sermon, with a vision of Jacob wrestling an angel in the background
- Shows Gauguin's move towards Synthetism, with flat areas of bold color, simplified forms and a symbolic, dreamlike quality
- Demonstrates the influence of Japanese prints and medieval stained glass in the flattened perspective and outlined figures
The Yellow Christ (1889)
- Depicts the crucifixion of Christ in a bold, simplified style with a bright yellow background
- Reflects Gauguin's interest in religious symbolism and his use of color to convey emotion and meaning
- Shows the influence of folk art and medieval art in the flattened, frontal composition and stylized forms
Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going? (1897-98)
- Large-scale painting (4'7" × 12'2") that Gauguin considered his masterpiece and the summation of his ideas
- Depicts various figures in a dreamlike Tahitian landscape, representing the cycle of life from birth to death
- Can be read as a meditation on the meaning of existence and a critique of Western colonialism and materialism
- Uses vivid, symbolic colors and simplified forms to create a sense of spiritual mystery and depth
Spirit of the Dead Watching (1892)
- Depicts a nude Tahitian girl lying on a bed, with the spirit of the dead watching over her in the form of an old woman
- Reflects Gauguin's interest in Polynesian spiritual beliefs and his idealized, exoticized view of Tahitian culture
- Uses bold, flat areas of color and simplified forms to create a sense of mystery and otherworldliness
Tahitian Women on the Beach (1891)
- Depicts two Tahitian women sitting on a beach, with a simplified, dreamlike background of sea and sky
- Shows Gauguin's use of bold, arbitrary color and his idealized, romanticized view of Tahitian life and culture
- Reflects his interest in the female form and his tendency to depict Polynesian women as sensual and exotic "others"
Gauguin's legacy and influence
- One of the most important and influential Post-Impressionist artists, alongside Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne
- Work had a profound impact on the development of modern art in the early 20th century
- Influenced various art movements and styles, including Symbolism, , and
- Reputation and legacy have been controversial, with some seeing him as a great innovator and others as a problematic figure
Impact on Synthetism and Symbolism
- Pioneered the Synthetist style, which emphasized flat patterns, bold colors and simplified forms over realistic representation
- Influenced other Synthetist artists like Émile Bernard and Paul Sérusier
- Use of color and symbolism to convey meaning and emotion was an important precursor to Symbolism
Inspiration for Fauvism and Expressionism
- Bold, expressive use of color and simplified forms inspired the Fauves ("wild beasts"), including Henri Matisse and André Derain
- Emotional intensity and use of color to convey inner experience influenced German Expressionists like Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Emil Nolde
Controversies around Gauguin's life
- Abandoned his wife and five children to pursue his art, first traveling to Brittany and Martinique and later to Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands
- Has been criticized for his treatment of women, particularly his relationships with young Polynesian girls
- Some see his idealization of "primitive" cultures as a form of exoticism and cultural appropriation
Gauguin's art market and collectors
- Gauguin struggled to sell his work during his lifetime and often lived in poverty
- After his death, his paintings began to attract the attention of collectors and fetch high prices
- In the early 20th century, important collectors like Sergei Shchukin and Ivan Morozov acquired his work
- Gauguin's paintings have continued to sell for record prices at auction, with his 1892 painting Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?) selling for $300 million in 2015
Gauguin in modern exhibitions and scholarship
- Major exhibitions of Gauguin's work have been held at museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, the National Gallery of Art, and the Tate Modern
- Scholars have studied various aspects of Gauguin's life and work, including his technique, his symbolism, his primitivism, and his impact on modern art
- Some recent scholarship has focused on the problematic aspects of Gauguin's life and work, including his treatment of women and his exoticization of non-Western cultures
- Despite these controversies, Gauguin remains an important and influential figure in the history of modern art, whose bold innovations in color, form and symbolism continue to inspire artists and scholars today
Key Terms to Review (25)
Ambroise Vollard: Ambroise Vollard was a French art dealer and publisher who played a crucial role in the development and promotion of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His keen eye for talent and innovative approach to art patronage helped establish the careers of several prominent artists, including Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, while also shaping the modern art market through his gallery exhibitions and publications.
Avant-garde: Avant-garde refers to innovative and experimental ideas and practices in art, music, and literature that challenge traditional norms and conventions. This term is closely tied to movements that push boundaries, often leading to the creation of new artistic styles and approaches, as seen in various art forms from the late 19th century onward.
Brittany: Brittany is a region located in the northwest of France, known for its rugged coastline, Celtic culture, and unique traditions. This area became a significant source of inspiration for many artists, particularly Paul Gauguin, who sought to capture its distinct landscapes and vibrant local life, reflecting the broader themes of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.
Camille Pissarro: Camille Pissarro was a Danish-French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painter, known for his contributions to the development of both movements. He played a pivotal role in shaping the style of plein air painting, focusing on capturing the effects of light and atmosphere in his landscapes and urban scenes, while also utilizing complementary colors to enhance the vibrancy of his work.
Color symbolism: Color symbolism refers to the use of color to represent ideas, emotions, and concepts beyond their visual appearance. This practice allows artists to convey deeper meanings and evoke specific feelings within their works, enhancing the viewer's experience. The strategic use of color can suggest mood, highlight themes, or signify cultural beliefs, making it an essential aspect in various art movements.
Edgar Degas: Edgar Degas was a prominent French artist known for his innovative approach to painting and sculpture, particularly in the context of the Impressionist movement. He is celebrated for his ability to capture the dynamics of movement, often focusing on subjects like ballet dancers and everyday life scenes, which reflect a departure from traditional academic conventions. Degas's work also significantly influenced composition and color use in art, especially through his exploration of complementary colors and the fleeting moments of contemporary life.
Exoticism: Exoticism refers to the artistic and cultural fascination with the foreign, particularly elements considered strikingly different or unusual compared to one's own culture. This concept often involves an idealization of distant places and peoples, reflecting a longing for the perceived beauty and mystery of other cultures. In art, it can manifest through the use of vibrant colors, unusual subjects, and a sense of adventure that invites viewers to experience the allure of the unfamiliar.
Expressionism: Expressionism is an art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by the use of vivid colors, exaggerated forms, and emotional intensity to convey the artist's subjective experience rather than a realistic representation of the world. This movement sought to express inner feelings and emotions, often reflecting the turmoil and anxiety of the times, which connects deeply with various artistic influences and subsequent developments.
Fauvism: Fauvism is an early 20th-century art movement characterized by bold colors and brushwork, emphasizing painterly qualities and strong color over the realistic representation of forms. It is significant for its innovative use of color and its role in laying the groundwork for modern art movements.
Folk art: Folk art refers to the traditional artistic expressions that are created by everyday people, often reflecting the cultural heritage and customs of specific communities. This form of art is typically characterized by its use of local materials, simple techniques, and a focus on practicality and functionality rather than formal artistic training. Folk art plays a crucial role in preserving cultural identity and community values, often passing down stories and traditions through generations.
Impressionism: Impressionism is an art movement that originated in the late 19th century, characterized by a focus on capturing the fleeting effects of light and color in everyday life. This movement broke away from traditional academic painting by emphasizing spontaneity, visible brush strokes, and the depiction of modern life, often using plein air techniques.
Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution was a transformative period, primarily in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, marked by the shift from agrarian economies to industrialized and urban ones. This change not only impacted production and technology but also influenced social structures and cultural expressions, including art movements like Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.
Japanese ukiyo-e prints: Japanese ukiyo-e prints are a genre of woodblock printmaking that flourished from the 17th to the 19th century, depicting subjects from everyday life, landscapes, and theater. These prints played a significant role in influencing Western artists and movements, particularly during the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist periods, highlighting aspects of beauty and transience in life.
Paul Cézanne: Paul Cézanne was a French artist whose work laid the foundation for the transition from 19th-century Impressionism to the 20th-century movement of Cubism. His innovative use of color, form, and perspective greatly influenced many modern art movements and challenged the conventions of traditional painting.
Paul Gauguin: Paul Gauguin was a French post-Impressionist artist known for his bold use of color and innovative artistic techniques, which greatly influenced modern art. His works often explored themes of spirituality and symbolism, and he was pivotal in the development of movements like Cloisonnism and Synthetism, impacting the way art was perceived and created.
Polynesia: Polynesia is a subregion of Oceania, consisting of over 1,000 islands scattered across the central and southern Pacific Ocean. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, unique art forms, and natural beauty. The islands in Polynesia, including Tahiti, Hawaii, and Easter Island, have been influential in shaping various artistic movements, particularly through the works of artists like Paul Gauguin, who drew inspiration from the region's vibrant landscapes and indigenous cultures.
Post-Impressionism: Post-Impressionism refers to the artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction against Impressionism, emphasizing personal expression and symbolic content. This movement expanded on the ideas of Impressionism while exploring new approaches to color, form, and emotional resonance, leading to diverse styles and philosophies in art.
Primitivism: Primitivism is an artistic movement that embraces the aesthetics and values of non-Western cultures, often idealizing simplicity, nature, and the spiritual aspects of life found in indigenous societies. This movement emerged as a reaction against industrialization and urbanization, seeking inspiration from the perceived purity and authenticity of primitive art forms. Artists within this movement often portrayed themes of innocence, tribal life, and the natural world, highlighting a desire to return to a more fundamental way of living.
Spirituality: Spirituality refers to a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, often involving the search for meaning in life. In art, spirituality can manifest through themes of transcendence, the divine, and emotional resonance, revealing the artist's inner beliefs and feelings. It plays a significant role in influencing artistic expression and interpretation, as artists seek to explore deeper truths and emotional experiences beyond the physical world.
Symbolism: Symbolism is an artistic movement that emphasizes the use of symbols to convey emotions, ideas, and experiences rather than direct representation. This approach allows artists to challenge conventional norms and express deeper meanings through imagery, colors, and forms, paving the way for more personal and subjective interpretations of art.
Synthetism: Synthetism is an artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by the use of bold colors and simplified forms to express emotional and spiritual ideas rather than realistic representations. This approach often involved synthesizing various elements such as color, form, and symbolism to convey deeper meanings, diverging from the naturalistic tendencies of earlier movements.
The parisian avant-garde: The Parisian avant-garde refers to a group of artists, writers, and intellectuals in late 19th and early 20th century Paris who sought to challenge traditional norms and push the boundaries of art and culture. This movement was characterized by its embrace of experimentation, innovation, and a desire for social change, heavily influencing the development of modern art, particularly during the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist periods.
The Yellow Christ: The Yellow Christ is a notable painting by Paul Gauguin, created in 1889, that depicts a figure of Christ in a yellow robe against a vivid background inspired by the colors of Brittany. This work embodies Gauguin's exploration of color, symbolism, and spiritual themes, showcasing his shift away from realism towards a more expressive and subjective style. The painting reflects his interest in portraying religious themes through a personal lens, merging the sacred with the everyday life of the Breton people.
Vision after the sermon: Vision after the sermon refers to a pivotal work by Paul Gauguin that illustrates a scene of spiritual revelation experienced by a group of Breton women after church. This artwork exemplifies the merging of reality and imagination, emphasizing emotional and symbolic interpretation over traditional representation. Through bold colors and simplified forms, the piece communicates profound ideas about faith and experience, connecting deeply to the exploration of complementary colors, Gauguin's artistic philosophy, and the broader movement of Synthetism.
Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?: This phrase is often associated with existential questions about human existence and purpose. It reflects a philosophical inquiry into the origins of humanity, our current state, and the future path we are on. In the context of art, particularly through the works of certain artists, it resonates with themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the quest for meaning in life.