How did Paul Gauguin live and work? Paintings by the artist, unrecognized by his contemporaries

He died in poverty, unvalued and unrecognized by his contemporaries. The artist, famous for painting the era of post-impressionism, along with Van Gogh and Cezanne - Paul Gauguin, whose paintings are now on the list of the most expensive paintings sold at public auctions and closed tenders. He is often called the "accursed Gauguin," and he himself considered himself unfortunate since childhood and accused God of "injustice and cruelty." Indeed, having familiarized himself with the biography of the great artist, one might think that an evil rock hung over him all his life: numerous trials, failures and illnesses accompanied his whole earthly path, interfering with creativity and not allowing to feel the taste of fame and recognition.

"Colorful childhood" and the youth of the future artist

How did he become an artist, where did Gauguin Paul come from and what did he come to? His biography is very interesting and connected with constant moving. The change of places and the dream of an original life in untouched lands is another great passion, along with an unquenchable desire to paint pictures. And this love for exoticism appeared as a child when he lived in his mother's motherland in Peru and daily watched the bright colors of national costumes, rich natural vegetation and enjoyed a carefree existence in the tropics.

When little Paul was just a year old, his father was Republican journalist Clovis Gauguin, after an unsuccessful anti-monarchist coup, decided to move from France to Peru, from where his wife was born. However, on the way he died of a heart attack. Paul until seven years lived and was brought up in Lima in the estate of his uncle. After that, they moved with their mother to Paris, where the boy quickly learned French and successfully graduated from school. However, study did not deceive him, and all thoughts were engaged in traveling by sea. Finally, having reached the age of 17, Gauguin, who did not pass the test at the school, goes on a voyage as an apprentice pilot. Almost six years he is on continuous travels by sea, travels to South America and Europe, swims in the Mediterranean and the northern seas.

A broker or an artist?

Upon learning of the death of his mother, in 1872 Paul Gauguin returned to Paris and, having enlisted the support of the family friend Gustave Aroza, enters the service as an exchange broker. Of course, this is not what Paul always dreamed of. However, for some time he manages to lead a "normal life": he marries a Dane, acquires children. The family lives safely, changing apartments to more and more comfortable ones. At the same time, his workshop occupies a special place in the house. Gauguin, who previously only collected paintings, begins to write himself. His first landscapes appeared already in 1873-1874. At the same time, he gets acquainted with the Impressionists and, since 1879, participates in art exhibitions. Now he is taken seriously as an artist. A special role in his creative activity was played by Edgar Degas, who is very indebted to Paul Gauguin. The paintings that he draws, Degas buys himself and encourages it to do the trader Impressionist paintings. Gradually, the work of the broker begins to oppress Gauguin, the painting remains very little time. Therefore, in 1885 Paul decides to quit his job, leaves his family in Denmark and leaves for Paris. He spent some time in Brittany, where he writes and communicates with symbolic artists. Here are written such famous paintings as "Vision after the Sermon" and "Svinopas, Brittany" (depicts the life of people not spoiled by civilization).

Escape from civilization and flowering in Gauguin's works

Life in France is too expensive for Gauguin, who is eager to devote himself entirely to creativity. In May 1889, after visiting the exhibition of oriental culture and inspired by the bright and colorful colors of the exhibited works, Paul decided to leave for Tahiti. It was here that his talent and inspiration reached their highest incarnation. On the paradise island, the most famous and successful canvases were created. Finally, he revealed himself as an artist Paul Gauguin. Pictures painted in the tropics are distinguished by bright and warm colors. Paul depicts swarthy female bodies against the backdrop of juicy greens ("Tahitian with a mango fruit") and golden-pink sand ("Are you jealous?"). For 1892 he wrote as many as 80 paintings! They differ not only in the contrast of colors and the static nature of the composition, but also in their bright decorative features. An example is the painting that Paul Gauguin wrote that year, "Tahitian pastors" - today it is exhibited in the Hermitage.

A new blow in the life of Gauguin

After a short visit to Paris (due to illness and lack of money), where the artist expected a triumphal failure (the exhibition was severely criticized) instead of the expected confession, he finally returned to Oceania. Here he continues to work, not only as an artist, but also as a writer, journalist, sculptor. However, his work is not so cheerful as in previous years. The paintings reflect the anxiety and disappointment that settled in Gauguin's soul: "Motherhood", "Nevermore". In 1897, he wrote one of his most famous works, "Where are we from? Who are we? Where are we going?". Having finished it, he made an unsuccessful attempt at suicide, tired of disease and general misunderstanding (even on "paradise earth" he was considered tactless and mediocre).

"Gifts of fate" instead of the desired death

He prayed to God for death, but remained alive. The disease receded, money suddenly appeared (from Paris, 1000 francs were sent, yet some of the pictures were sold), and then a man who was able to successfully sell the artist's paintings. His name was Ambroise Vollard, he proposed what Paul Gauguin dreamed of all his life. Pictures he wrote, Vollard could buy 25 pieces per year (guaranteed), while undertaking, in turn, to pay the artist a monthly salary (300 francs).

Unhappy end

It seemed that fate smiled at Paul, but not for long. The disease began to gain momentum again, and there were problems with the authorities (local residents dragged Gauguin - now not only the artist, but also the journalist - into political intrigues). Paul began to take morphine, opium tincture, in order to drown out the pain. Soon he was found dead (whether this natural death or intentional poisoning was unknown).

Paul Gauguin and his contribution to art

Despite the hard life in the constant struggle (with diseases, circumstances, people), Paul Gauguin still engaged in what he saw his vocation - creativity. His paintings have made a huge contribution to contemporary art. Here are some of the most famous canvases that Paul Gauguin presented to the world: "A Woman Holding a Fruit", "Yellow Christ", "A Woman with a Flower," "Gathering Fruits", "Still Life with Parrots", "Fun of the Evil Spirit", "Her Called Vairamuati "and others.