Did You Know- Paul Gauguin

This Weekend Celebrates the Painter’s 167th Birthday

Although his birthday is technically tomorrow, June 7, we like to celebrate our artists. Although he was not overly appreciated while he was alive, the artwork Paul Gauguin is certainly appreciated today. And to recognize him as the genius he is, we wanted to share some fun facts about Gauguin and share some of his art!

Did you know?

  • Gauguin’s full name is Eugene Henri Paul Gauguin.
  • He was born June 7, 1848 in Paris, France and died May 8, 1903 in Atuona, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. He was 54 years old. If he was still alive today, he would be 167 years old.
  • Guaguin was not only a painter, but also was known for his work as a sculptor, printmaker, wood engraver, ceramist and even a writer.
  • He was raised in Lima, Peru until he was 7 and moved back to France with his family. Even though he learned French after moving, his preferred language was Spanish.
  • Gauguin first started painting in 1873 to combat the stress of being a stockbroker.
  • Gauguin was a contemporary to artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro and even Paul Cezanne.
  • Vincent Van Gogh once threatened Gauguin with a razor blade!
  • Gauguin worked as a laborer on the Panama Canal.
  • He had ten children but only five of them were legitimate.
  • In 1891, he moved to Tahiti to live among the natives and even took a native girl as a wife. They had one son.
  • Gauguin died of a stroke in 1903.
  • In 1906, the Salon d’Automne in Paris held a show with 227 of his paintings.
  • Gauguin is rememered as a leader of the symbolist movement and a source of Fauvism.

Gallery

The Swineherd, Bittany 1888

Les Alyscamps 1888

Night Cafe at Arles 1888

The Midday Nap 1894

Self Portrait 1885

Tahitian Women on the Beach 1891

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