Gauguin, Paul

(1848-1903)

Gauguin, Paul (1848-1903) A Parisian stockbroker, Gauguin was a Sunday painter
who collected the works of the Impressionists and joined in their exhibitions.
He eventually gave up his job, separated from his family, and went to live in
Brittanny before leaving for Tahiti in 1891. The rest of his life was spent
painting and living in the South Sea islands. His last years were spent in
poverty, illness, and the continual struggle with authorities to champion
native causes. His early works may be ranged with those of the Impressionists,
but his rejection of Western civilization led to his departure for Tahiti, and
to Naturalistic tradition -- he depicted the simplicity of life among primitive
and unspoiled peoples. Gauguin's influence has been enormous, because he is one
of the main sources from which non-Naturalistic 20th-century art has emanated.

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