Birth of Modern Painting (03:22)

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Post-Impressionism developed between 1885 and 1905. Vincent Van Gogh, George Seurat, Henri Toulouse Lautrec were post-impressionists. Paul Gauguin painted "When Will You Marry?" (Credits)

Gauguin's Backgroung (02:57)

Gauguin was born in Paris in 1848; he died in French Polynesia at the age of 55. The painter inspired the Nabi movement and influenced painting movement of the 20th century. His father died on a voyage to Peru.

Early Painting Career (06:05)

Gauguin worked as a sailor and a stockbroker before devoting himself as a painter; he exhibited his work at the First Salon of the Impressionists in 1876. After spending a year in Normandy painting with Camille Pissarro, Gauguin moved in with his wife's family in Copenhagen. When his marriage ended, Gauguin explored Synthetism and Cloisonnism.

Abandoning Impressionism (03:15)

"Vision of the Sermon" depicted an imaginary motif. Characteristics included a bright use of color and interiorization. The painting influenced Edvard Munch, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse.

Japanese Influences (05:31)

Van Gogh introduced Gauguin to Japanese masters Hiroshige and Hokusai. After a dispute, Van Gogh cut off his ear. The Pont-Aven school included Felix Vallotton and Emile Bernard.

Appeasement in Brittany (02:59)

Primitive iconography began to fascinate Gauguin. "La Belle Angele" included flatten characteristics, religious iconography, and primitive ceramics.

Gauguin in Tahiti (03:47)

Gauguin obtained a grant to study the customs and landscapes of French Polynesia. After spending time there, he relocated to the Marquesas Islands.

Polynesian Paintings (06:19)

Gauguin departed Polynesia in 1893 with paintings to sell, perpetuating the idea that Papeete was paradise. His work integrated indigenous culture. Tahitian women served as his muse and guide.

Sales Exhibition (02:24)

The director of the Fine Arts School in Paris repatriated Gauguin. Durand-Ruel gallery organized an exhibition to sell his paintings. Gauguin left for Brittany after receiving an inheritance.

Maori Inspiration (05:13)

Gauguin immersed himself in Tahitian culture; he died in 1903. He created "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where are We Going" after attempting suicide. Gauguin's color technique deepened in his later paintings and he integrated what he hoped to find in Polynesia.

Later Life and Death (06:52)

Gauguin's daughter died and he attempted suicide. Gauguin moved to Hiva-Oa and lived an isolated existence. "Self-Portrait with the Yellow Christ" depicted contradictions in the artist's character.

Credits: Paul Gauguin—The Greatest Painters of the World (02:07)

Credits: Paul Gauguin—The Greatest Painters of the World