Full Bio: Paul Gauguin's Art and Friendship with Van Gogh

All Of It: Episode Summary – "Full Bio: Paul Gauguin's Art and Friendship with Van Gogh"

Podcast Information:

Title: All Of It
Host: Alison Stewart
Produced By: WNYC
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Episode Focus: A detailed biography of Paul Gauguin, exploring his art, personal life, and especially his friendship with Vincent van Gogh, based on Sue Prudho's book Wild: A Life of Paul Gauguin.

Introduction

Alison Stewart opens the episode by introducing the "Full Bio" series, which delves deeply into the lives of notable individuals through meticulously researched biographies. In this installment, she focuses on Paul Gauguin, a 19th-century self-taught French artist whose tumultuous friendship with Vincent van Gogh significantly impacted both their lives and the art world.

Gauguin’s Early Adulthood and Marriage

Background: Gauguin lost his mother during his teenage years and was subsequently cared for by Gustave Arosa, a family friend and art collector. Arosa placed Gauguin in a career as a stockbroker, providing financial stability.
Introduction to Art: Despite a promising career in finance, Gauguin developed a passion for art after attending the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874. Inspired by artists like Monet, Degas, and Cezanne, he began teaching himself to paint by copying their works.
Marriage to Mette: Gustave Arosa facilitated Gauguin’s marriage to Mette, a Danish woman described as intelligent and supportive. They married in November 1873 and had five children. Their relationship was built on mutual respect and shared interests, particularly in art.

Sue Prudho [02:16]: "He was more than able to make a living. He was incredibly successful and he made lots of money."

Gauguin’s Artistic Pursuit and Financial Struggles

Transition to Art: Gauguin invested his savings into pursuing an art career, despite limited commercial success. An art agent, Theo van Gogh (brother of Vincent van Gogh), took notice of his potential.
Artistic Development: Gauguin’s early works were heavily influenced by his teacher, Camille Pissarro. His first significant painting, "Working the Land," showcased his admiration for Impressionism but also hinted at his unique stylistic beginnings.

Unnamed Art Historian [02:29]: "He didn't pick up a paintbrush till then."

Family and Personal Life

Depiction of Family in Art: Gauguin created sculptures and paintings of his wife Mette and their children, reflecting a deep appreciation for their individuality. His works portrayed his family with warmth and a keen sense of their inner lives.

Sue Prudho [08:03]: "He was interested in his children's interior, conscious of his children's interior life and his children as separate people."
Marital Challenges: Financial instability strained their marriage. In 1882, the Paris Stock Market crash wiped out Gauguin’s savings, forcing Mette to return to Denmark with their children. Gauguin’s subsequent attempts to reconnect with his family were unsuccessful, leading to prolonged periods of separation and emotional distress.

Unnamed Art Historian [07:59]: "Meta stayed in Denmark and gave lessons to diplomats."

The Turning Point: Relationship with Theo Van Gogh

Encounter with Theo Van Gogh: After facing ongoing financial difficulties, Gauguin worked briefly with the Panama Canal Company and later moved to Martinique, where he produced significant artworks. Theo Van Gogh discovered these paintings, recognizing Gauguin’s talent.
Invitation to Arles: Theo, alongside Vincent, invited Gauguin to live and work with Vincent in Arles. This collaboration aimed to foster a creative partnership between the two artists.

Unnamed Art Historian [15:23]: "He sent him a self portrait dedicated to Gauguin as the invitation."

Gauguin and Vincent’s Collaboration in Arles

Arrival in Arles: Gauguin moved into the Yellow House in Arles in the autumn of 1888, beginning a nine-week period of intense collaboration and artistic exploration with Vincent.
Artistic Exchange: Both artists were moving beyond Impressionism, influenced by Japanese art and exploring Post-Impressionist techniques. They aimed to emphasize emotion and disregard traditional realism, inspired by artists like Hokusai.

Unnamed Art Historian [19:59]: "They were both fascinated by Japanese art... moving towards the whole thing of post Impressionism."
Self-Portraits: The exchange of self-portraits symbolized their dynamic. Vincent's portrayal depicted a somber, ascetic figure, while Gauguin’s was more vibrant and sensual.

Unnamed Art Historian [18:39]: "Vincent’s self portrait is... skeletal. Gauguin's self portrait... vigorous wild thing from Peru."

The Strained Friendship and Vincent’s Breakdown

Tensions Rise: Confined within the small, claustrophobic space of the Yellow House and hindered by inclement weather, Gauguin and Vincent’s collaboration became increasingly strained. The inability to paint outdoors led to frustration and creative paralysis.
The Ear Incident: Amid mounting tensions and personal struggles, Vincent van Gogh suffered a mental breakdown, infamously cutting off his ear. The episode underscores the volatile nature of their relationship.

Unnamed Art Historian [22:36]: "There was a build up to it really... Gauguin hit upon this thing."
Aftermath: Gauguin left Arles shortly after the incident, leaving Vincent to grapple with his mental health issues alone. Vincent’s letters reveal his remorse and lingering desire to collaborate, while Gauguin felt deep fear over the rupture in their friendship.

Unnamed Art Historian [25:00]: "There's the most lovely postscript to this time with Vincent... in memory of my gentle friend Vincent."

Conclusion

The episode concludes by highlighting the enduring impact of Gauguin's relationship with Vincent van Gogh on both artists' lives and legacies. Sue Prudho's biography, Wild: A Life of Paul Gauguin, provides a nuanced exploration of Gauguin's dedication to art amidst personal and financial turmoil, and his complex friendship with one of art history's most troubled figures.

Alison Stewart [26:36]: "...there's much affection."

Listeners are encouraged to explore visual references to Gauguin’s work on the podcast’s Instagram page and to stay tuned for future episodes that will delve deeper into Gauguin’s life in Tahiti.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

Sue Prudho [02:16]: "He was more than able to make a living. He was incredibly successful and he made lots of money."
Unnamed Art Historian [02:29]: "He didn't pick up a paintbrush till then."
Sue Prudho [08:03]: "He was interested in his children's interior, conscious of his children's interior life and his children as separate people."
Unnamed Art Historian [15:23]: "He sent him a self portrait dedicated to Gauguin as the invitation."
Unnamed Art Historian [18:39]: "Vincent’s self portrait is... skeletal. Gauguin's self portrait... vigorous wild thing from Peru."
Unnamed Art Historian [22:36]: "There was a build up to it really... Gauguin hit upon this thing."
Alison Stewart [26:36]: "...there's much affection."

Further Engagement: For visual content related to Gauguin’s art discussed in this episode, visit All Of It WNYC’s Instagram and follow the ongoing exploration of Gauguin’s life and work.