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Paul Gauguin

French post-impressionist artist and friend of Vincent van Gogh
French post-impressionist artist and friend of Vincent van Gogh

Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin was a French artist known for his experimental use of color and Synthetist style. He was influenced by Impressionism and Symbolism, and his work became popular after his death, inspiring many modern artists.

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1848-06-07
Birth of Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin

Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin, a French neo-impressionist painter known for his vivid paintings with flat, bold colors and mystical symbols, was born on June 7, 1848. His art revolutionized the art world by breaking away from traditional artistic conventions.

1849-01
Early Childhood in Lima, Peru

Paul Gauguin spends his early childhood in Lima, Peru.

1850
Gauguin's Family Moves to Peru

In 1850, Gauguin's family settled in Peru, where he experienced a privileged childhood that left a lasting impression on him. This period of his life would later influence his artistic style and subject matter.

1851
Death of Clovis Gauguin

Due to political tensions in France, the Gauguins sail to Peru. Clovis Gauguin suffers a stroke and dies during the voyage. Aline, Marie, and Paul live in Lima, Peru with Aline's great-uncle for three years.

1855
Return to France

Aline, Marie, and Paul return to France to live with Paul's grandfather, Guillaume Gauguin, in Orléans. The elder Gauguin wishes to make his only grandchildren his heirs.

1859
Death of Don Pio de Tristan Moscoso

Aline's great-uncle, Don Pio de Tristan Moscoso, dies in Peru.

1860
Paul Gauguin enrolls in the Petit Séminaire de la Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin

In 1860, Paul Gauguin starts his education at the prestigious boarding school Petit Séminaire de la Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin near Orléans, where he will spend the next three years. He will later refer to this school throughout his life.

1862
Move to Paris

Gauguin's family moved to Paris where he attended a pre-naval college, marking a significant transition in his early life.

1865-12-07
Paul Gauguin joins the crew of the ship Luzitano as a merchant marine

On December 7, 1865, at the age of 17, Paul Gauguin boards the ship Luzitano as a merchant marine to fulfill his military service obligation. This experience will later influence his artistic career.

1866
Gauguin's Round-the-World Voyage on 'Chili'

In 1866, Gauguin embarks on a 13-month round-the-world voyage as a second lieutenant on a ship named 'Chili'. Unfortunately, during this voyage, his mother passes away, leaving him with her final advice to focus on his career despite being unpopular with her friends.

1867-07-07
Death of Gauguin's mother

Gauguin's mother passed away on July 7, 1867, but he only found out about her death several months later through a letter from his sister Marie while he was in India.

1867-07-27
Aline Maria Gauguin passes away

Aline Maria Gauguin dies on July 27, 1867, at the age of 42. In her will, she appoints Gustave Arosa as the legal guardian of her children, including Paul Gauguin, until they come of age.

1867-12-14
Paul Gauguin disembarks at Le Havre following his mother's death

After receiving news of his mother's passing in Saint-Cloud, Paul Gauguin disembarks at Le Havre on December 14, 1867. This event marks a significant moment in his life and future decisions.

1868-01-22
Paul Gauguin joins the navy as a sailor third-class

In 1868, Paul Gauguin enlists in the navy and serves as a sailor third-class aboard the Jérôme-Napoléon in Cherbourg. This experience will shape his worldview and artistic inspiration.

1871
Gauguin Works at Bertin's and Meets Claude Emile Shuffenecker

By 1871, Gauguin is employed as a broker's agent at Bertin's in Paris. It is here that he meets Claude Emile Shuffenecker, who later becomes his friend and art study partner. This period marks Gauguin's transition into the world of art.

1872
Paul Gauguin settles in Paris as a stockbroker

After traveling the world with the merchant marines, Paul Gauguin settled in Paris as a stockbroker in 1872. He started painting and building an art collection during this time.

1873-11-22
Paul Gauguin and Mette-Sophie Gad marry in Paris

Paul Gauguin marries Mette-Sophie Gad in a Lutheran church in Paris at the age of 25.

1874-08-31
Emil Gauguin is born in Paris

Emil Gauguin, the son of Paul Gauguin and Mette-Sophie Gad, is born in Paris almost nine months after their marriage.

1875
The Gauguins move to a house in a fashionable neighborhood in Paris

Paul Gauguin and Mette-Sophie Gad move from their Paris apartment to a house in a fashionable neighborhood west of the Champs Élysées.

1876
Birth of Gauguin's First Child, Aline

In 1876, Gauguin welcomes his first child, Aline. This event coincides with his work being accepted at the Salon for the first time, marking a milestone in his artistic career.

1877-12-24
Birth of Aline Gauguin

On December 24, 1877, Aline Gauguin is born, becoming the only daughter of Paul Gauguin and his wife Mette.

1879
Paul Gauguin's Painting Accepted by the Paris Salon

In 1879, Paul Gauguin's painting was accepted by the prestigious Paris Salon, a significant recognition for the artist.

1880
Gauguin's Debut at Fifth Impressionist Exhibition

In 1880, Gauguin made his debut as a professional artist at the Fifth Impressionist exhibition by submitting seven paintings and a marble bust of his wife, Mette. Despite receiving negative reviews and being labeled as a 'second-tier' Impressionist, Gauguin was oddly encouraged by the criticism.

1881
Gauguin exhibits at Sixth Impressionist exhibition

Gauguin displays eight paintings and two sculptures at the Sixth Impressionist exhibition. One of his works, Nude Study (Woman Sewing), receives positive reviews, establishing him as a recognized artist.

1882
Gauguin Becomes a Full-Time Artist

After the stock market crashed in 1882, Gauguin decided to pursue a career as a full-time artist. He explored various artistic styles and techniques, heavily influenced by artists like Pissarro and Cézanne.

1883-01
Paul Gauguin Collaborates with Camille Pissarro in Pontoise

In January 1883, Paul Gauguin and Camille Pissarro worked together in Pontoise, possibly influencing each other's artistic styles.

1884
Gauguin Moves to Rouen and Copenhagen

In 1884, facing financial challenges, Gauguin relocates his family to Rouen and later to Copenhagen. Despite difficulties, this period marks a significant shift in Gauguin's life as he navigates new environments and struggles with his career.

1885-06
Paul Gauguin Decides to Become a Full-Time Artist

In June 1885, Paul Gauguin made the pivotal decision to dedicate himself fully to his career as an artist, marking a significant turning point in his life.

1885-07
Mette sails to Copenhagen for job opportunities

In July 1885, Mette, Gauguin's wife, sails to Copenhagen to explore job opportunities for both of them. She discovers that she can teach French to Danish clients and that Denmark is interested in collecting Impressionist works.

1885-11
Mette and children move to Copenhagen

In early November 1885, Mette and the children relocate to Copenhagen. Paul Gauguin joins them several weeks later. Gauguin struggles in Denmark, finding his job as a sales representative demeaning.

1886-05
Submission to Eighth Impressionist Exhibition

Paul Gauguin submits 19 canvases to the Eighth Impressionist exhibition in May and June, inviting his friends Émile Schuffenecker and Odilon Redon to exhibit as well.

1886-06
Gauguin returns to Paris, leaving family behind

In June 1886, Gauguin decides to leave his wife Mette and four children in Copenhagen and returns to Paris with his son Clovis. He faces challenges in Paris due to increased competition in the art world and his reputation as a social outcast.

1887-04
Gauguin's Trip to Martinique with Charles Laval

In April 1887, Gauguin sailed to the French Caribbean island of Martinique with the painter Charles Laval, aiming to 'live like a savage'. His works during this time, such as Tropical Vegetation and By the Sea, showcased a departure from Impressionist techniques.

1887-06
Paul Gauguin moves to Martinique

In June 1887, the artist Paul Gauguin relocates to Martinique.

1887-11
Return to Paris and Friendship with Van Gogh

In November, Gauguin returns to Paris, moves in with Émile Schuffenecker, and becomes friends with Vincent and Theo van Gogh. Theo exhibits Gauguin's work and buys some pieces.

1888-12-23
Vincent van Gogh confronts Gauguin with a razor

Vincent van Gogh confronted Gauguin with a razor on the evening of December 23, 1888, leading to a series of events that culminated in Vincent cutting off his own ear. This incident marked a significant and tragic moment in the relationship between the two artists.

1888-12-25
Gauguin Departs for Paris

On December 25, 1888, Paul Gauguin departed for Paris from Arles, France.

1889
Gauguin's Volpini Exhibition

In 1889, Gauguin organized a renegade exhibition at a café owned by Mr. Volpini during the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris. The Volpini exhibition showcased Gauguin's first venture into printmaking, featuring zincographs on yellow paper that symbolized modernity and spirituality.

1891-03-23
Gauguin attends banquet for Stéphane Mallarmé

On March 23, 1891, Paul Gauguin participates in a banquet held in honor of the French Symbolist poet Stéphane Mallarmé. This event showcases Gauguin's involvement in the cultural and artistic circles of the time.

1891-04-01
Gauguin sets sail for Tahiti

In April 1891, Paul Gauguin embarked on a journey to Tahiti with the intention of escaping European civilization and seeking inspiration for his art in the primitive idyll of the island. He promised to return a rich man and make a fresh start.

1891-04-04
Gauguin sets sail for Tahiti

On April 4, 1891, Gauguin embarks on a journey to Tahiti after selling 30 paintings. He arrives on June 28 and begins working on his autobiography Noa Noa, spending the next 12 years in the South Seas and creating some of his most renowned artwork.

1891-06-08
Paul Gauguin arrives in Papeete, Tahiti

Paul Gauguin arrives in Papeete, Tahiti on June 8, after a journey funded by the sale of his paintings. Unfortunately, he is ill with bronchitis upon arrival.

1891-08-13
Birth of Germaine, daughter of Juliette Huais and Gauguin

On August 13, Gauguin's ex-model and mistress, Juliette Huais, gives birth to a daughter named Germaine.

1892-12-08
Gauguin sends paintings to Copenhagen

On December 8, Gauguin sends eight of his Tahitian paintings to Copenhagen for an exhibition, which brings him some success and publicity in Scandinavian and German art circles.

1893-06
Paul Gauguin returns to France

In June 1893, Paul Gauguin comes back to France.

1893-07
Gauguin's departure from Tahiti

In July 1893, Paul Gauguin made the decision to leave Tahiti, never to see his Tahitian wife Teha'amana or her child again. This marked the end of his time in the South Pacific and the beginning of a new chapter in his artistic journey.

1893-08
Gauguin returns to France

In August 1893, Gauguin returned to France from Tahiti, where he continued to paint Tahitian subjects and held an exhibition at the Durand-Ruel gallery in November 1894.

1893-11
Failure to Sell Paintings

In November of 1893, despite many paintings being considered masterpieces, 33 out of 44 fail to sell, leaving Gauguin in a challenging financial situation.

1894-11
Exhibition at Durand-Ruel gallery

An exhibition at the Durand-Ruel gallery in November 1894 was a moderate success for Gauguin, where 11 out of 40 paintings were sold at elevated prices.

1895-04-03
Gauguin sets sail for Tahiti for a second time

In 1895, Paul Gauguin embarked on his second journey to Tahiti, facing financial difficulties and relying on friends for a cheap passage. His relationship with his wife deteriorated, and he left Europe for good.

1896-12-25
Death of Gauguin's daughter portrayed in Te tamari no atua

Gauguin's daughter, born to his young Tahitian mistress, Pau'ura, died shortly after birth on Christmas Day 1896. This tragic event was depicted in Gauguin's painting of 1896 titled Te tamari no atua.

1897-04
Death of Gauguin's Daughter Aline

In April 1897, Gauguin received the news that his favorite daughter Aline had died from pneumonia. This added to his challenges as he also had to vacate his house due to its land being sold.

1898-12
Completion of 'Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?'

At the end of 1898, Gauguin completed his monumental painting 'Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?', which he considered his masterpiece and final artistic testament. The painting was exhibited in Paris the following year.

1899
Oil Transfer Drawings

In 1899, Gauguin began experimenting with oil transfer drawings, combining drawing and printmaking to achieve a primordial aesthetic. This technique allowed him to create depth and texture in his works.

1900-02
Gauguin Becomes Editor of Les Guêpes

In February 1900, Gauguin became the editor of Les Guêpes, a local journal in Tahiti. He continued in this role until he left Tahiti in September 1901, using the paper to criticize the colonial government and officialdom.

1901-09-16
Gauguin settled in Atuona on the island of Hiva-Oa

On September 16, 1901, Gauguin established his residence in Atuona on the island of Hiva-Oa in the Marquesas Islands. This move marked his attempt to find a more primitive society and continue his artistic pursuits in a new environment.

1902-05-27
Shipwreck of Croix du Sud

On May 27, 1902, the steamer service Croix du Sud was shipwrecked off the Apataki atoll, leaving the island without mail or supplies for three months. Gauguin expressed his frustration by penning an angry letter to Governor Petit, highlighting the challenges faced by the islanders.

1903-03-27
Legal Troubles and Imprisonment

In March 27, 1903, Paul Gauguin was fined 500 francs and sentenced to three months' imprisonment for libeling a gendarme in Hiva 'Oa. He immediately filed an appeal and was in the process of raising funds to travel for the appeal when he passed away.

1903-05-08
Death of Paul Gauguin

Paul Gauguin, the French painter who sought inspiration in Polynesia to escape modernity and artistic conventions, passed away on May 8, 1903. Despite not achieving great success during his lifetime, his unique style and use of symbols left a lasting impact on the art world.

1903-09-05
Auction of Paul Gauguin's Effects

On September 5, 1903, the letters, manuscripts, and paintings of Paul Gauguin were auctioned in Papeete. The dispersal of his effects led to the loss of valuable information about his later years. His less valuable effects were also auctioned in Atuona.

1906
Exhibition of Gauguin's sculpture Oviri

The 1906 retrospective exhibition featured Gauguin's sculpture Oviri, a phallic figure of the Tahitian goddess of life and death intended for Gauguin's grave. This sculpture directly influenced Picasso's interest in sculpture, ceramics, and print-making, leading to his seminal work Les Demoiselles d'Avignon.

1919
Paul Gauguin

A book by Charles Morice about Paul Gauguin, published in Paris in 1919.

1921
Publication of 'Paul Gauguin: His Life and Art' by John Gould Fletcher

In 1921, John Gould Fletcher published a book titled 'Paul Gauguin: His Life and Art', providing insights into the life and artistic works of the renowned artist Paul Gauguin.

1937
Publication of 'My Father, Paul Gauguin' by Pola Gauguin

In 1937, Pola Gauguin translated and published a book titled 'My Father, Paul Gauguin', shedding light on the personal life and experiences of the artist Paul Gauguin.

1948
Gauguin's Letters to his Wife and Friends

Maurice Malingue edited a collection of Gauguin's letters, translated by H. Stenning, published in London in 1948.

1951
Les Amitiés du peintre Georges-Daniel de Monfreid et ses réliques de Gauguin

Jean Loize's book about the painter Georges-Daniel de Monfreid and his relics of Gauguin, released in Paris in 1951.

1955
Gauguin et son temps

Charles Chassé's work on Gauguin and his era, published in Paris in 1955.

1957
Paul Gauguin

A book by Robert Goldwater about Paul Gauguin, published in New York in 1957.

1959
Du nouveau sur Gauguin

Maurice Malingue's article in L'Oeil journal in 1959, presenting new information about Gauguin.

1961-04-21
Death of Gauguin's son Jean René

Gauguin's son Jean René, who became a well-known sculptor and socialist, passed away on April 21, 1961, in Copenhagen.

1963
Sculpture and Ceramics of Paul Gauguin

Christopher Gray's publication focusing on Gauguin's sculptures and ceramics, released in Baltimore in 1963.

1964
Gauguin's Ceramics

Merete Bodelsen's book specifically about Gauguin's ceramics, published in London in 1964.

1966
Gauguin in the South Seas

Bengt Danielsson's book detailing Gauguin's time in the South Seas, published in Garden City, New Jersey in 1966.

1971
Gauguin's Paradise Lost

Wayne Andersen's work assisted by Barbara Klein, exploring Gauguin's paradise lost, published in New York in 1971.

1975
Paul Gauguin in the Context of Symbolism

Vojtech Jirat-Wasiutynski's Ph.D. dissertation from Princeton in 1975, later published in New York and London in 1978, focusing on Gauguin in the context of symbolism.

1983
Paradise Reviewed

Jehanne Teilhet-Fiske's interpretation of Gauguin's Polynesian symbolism, published in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1983.

1984
Correspondance de Paul Gauguin

Victor Merlhès edited the correspondence of Paul Gauguin, with the first volume released in Paris in 1984.

1985
Chemin de Gauguin: Génèse et rayonnement

An exhibition catalog from the Musée Départemental du Prieuré in Saint-Germain-en-Laye in 1985, exploring Gauguin's path and influence.

1987
Recognition of Gauguin's sculpture Oviri

The Musée d'Orsay acquired Gauguin's sculpture Oviri in 1987, a work that had been exhibited only once since 1906. This acquisition highlighted the masterpiece status of Oviri and its relevance to Picasso's works leading up to Les Demoiselles d'Avignon.

1988-05-08
Going Native: Paul Gauguin and the Invention of Primitivist Modernism

An article from May 8, 1988, discussing Gauguin's influence on primitivist modernism.

1989-07
Paul Gauguin and the Complexity of the Primitivist Gaze

An article from July 1989, exploring the intricate relationship between Gauguin's art and the primitivist gaze.

1993
Gauguin by Himself

Belinda Thomson's edited work 'Gauguin by Himself' from Boston in 1993, delving into Gauguin's personal perspective.

1995
Paul Gauguin, A Complete Life

David Sweetman's comprehensive biography of Paul Gauguin, published in London in 1995.

1997
Gauguin's Skirt

Stephen F. Eisenman's book 'Gauguin's Skirt' from New York in 1997, exploring aspects of Gauguin's life and art.

2000
Gauguin

Ingo F. Walther's book 'Gauguin', published in 2000, offers a comprehensive look at the art and life of Paul Gauguin. The book delves into Gauguin's unique style and artistic contributions.

2001
Paul Gauguin: An Erotic Life

Nancy Mowll Mathews published a book titled 'Paul Gauguin: An Erotic Life' in New Haven in 2001, exploring the controversial and sensual aspects of the artist's life.

2002-06-21
A Show Equal to an Artist Larger than Life

An article dated June 21, 2002, praising an exhibition that does justice to Gauguin's larger-than-life persona.

2003-10-14
A New York Bouquet of Gauguin

Published on October 14, 2003, discussing a collection of Gauguin's works in New York.

2004-03-05
The Colors of Paradise As Imagined by Gauguin

An article from March 5, 2004, exploring Gauguin's interpretation of paradise through his art.

2005
Gauguin and Impressionism Exhibition

Richard R. Bretell and Anne-Birgitte Fonsmark curated an exhibition titled 'Gauguin and Impressionism' at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth and Ordrupgaard in Copenhagen in 2005, shedding light on Gauguin's relationship with Impressionism.

2007
The Symbolism of Paul Gauguin: Erotica, Exotica and the Great Dilemmas of Humanity

Henri Dorra delved into the symbolism of Paul Gauguin's art in the book 'The Symbolism of Paul Gauguin: Erotica, Exotica and the Great Dilemmas of Humanity' published in Berkeley and Los Angeles in 2007.

2010-09-24
Gauguin's Paradise: Only Part Tahitian And All a Fantasy

Review from September 24, 2010, discussing Gauguin's artistic representation of Tahitian paradise.

2010-09-28
Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne and Beyond: De Young's post-Impressionist follow-up

A review from September 28, 2010, highlighting the post-Impressionist exhibition at De Young, focusing on Gauguin's role.

2014
When Will You Marry sale

In 2014, Gauguin's painting 'When Will You Marry' became the world's third most expensive artwork, fetching $210 million at an auction.

2015-02-15
Marquesas 1901–1903

The Marquesas 1901–1903 refers to a specific period in the life of Paul Gauguin, a renowned French artist. During this time, Gauguin lived in the Marquesas Islands, where he created some of his most famous artworks.

2016
Gauguin & the Marquesas: Paradise Found?

Caroline Boyle Turner presented 'Gauguin & the Marquesas: Paradise Found?' in Brittany in 2016, exploring Gauguin's artistic journey and inspiration in the Marquesas Islands.

2017
Gauguin: artist as alchemist Exhibition

Gloria Lynn Groom edited the exhibition 'Gauguin: artist as alchemist' held at the Art Institute of Chicago and Reunion des musees nationaux Grand Palais in Paris in 2017, exploring Gauguin's innovative artistic processes.

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Paul Gauguin
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