All Of It Podcast - Episode Summary: "Full Bio: The Early Life of Paul Gauguin"

Release Date: August 11, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Sue Prudho, Author of "Wild: A Life of Paul Gauguin"

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart, the spotlight is on Paul Gauguin, the renowned 19th-century French artist. The episode features an in-depth interview with Sue Prudho, the author of the acclaimed biography "Wild: A Life of Paul Gauguin." Prudho delves into Gauguin's complex life, exploring both his artistic genius and the controversies that surround his legacy.

Author's Motivation and Research Process

[02:26] Sue Prudho:
"I really can't get away with the idea of loving Gauguin's art and hating the man. So I thought, well, I'd better investigate and, you know, see if he really was as bad as they said he was."

Prudho explains her impetus for writing the biography stems from the polarized views on Gauguin—admiration for his art juxtaposed with criticism of his personal conduct. The absence of a comprehensive biography in three decades, coupled with newly discovered materials, provided the impetus to reassess Gauguin's life.

[04:05] Prudho:
"Truth as far as you can ever get to the bottom of truth."

Prudho emphasizes her commitment to uncovering an objective truth about Gauguin by utilizing a wealth of primary sources, including a recently discovered 213-page manuscript titled "Avant et Apres," written by Gauguin in his final years. Additionally, she references the Wildenstein Platner Institute's catalogue raisonné and unpublished family memoirs, enriching her narrative with fresh insights.

Controversies Surrounding Gauguin

Alison Stewart raises pressing controversies about Gauguin, including allegations of pedophilia and the spread of syphilis.

[04:05] Stewart:
"Gauguin. He was a violent pedophile. Do we really need to vindicate Gauguin?"

Prudho addresses these allegations by contextualizing Gauguin's actions within the societal norms of his time.

[04:05] Prudho:
"The age of consent in France and the colonies was 13. This actually is pretty typical of the time."

She further debunks the syphilis claim by citing scientific analyses of Gauguin's remains, which found no evidence of the disease.

[04:05] Prudho:
"The conclusion really is that, you know, it's 99.99, he definitely didn't have syphilis. So, you know, Bango's a big myth."

Prudho emphasizes the importance of understanding historical context while evaluating Gauguin's actions, acknowledging the moral complexities without excusing inappropriate behavior.

Gauguin's Family Background and Early Life

Prudho provides a detailed account of Gauguin's lineage, highlighting the influence of his grandmother, Flora Tristan, a prominent feminist and political activist.

[09:49] Stewart:
"He often said that his grandmother was responsible for his painting, or at least his talent in some way."

[14:05] Prudho:
"Flora was absolutely amazing... she was a real political activist. She was a firebrand."

Flora Tristan's activism and tragic life—marked by her confrontation with abuse and eventual death—imparted a profound impact on Gauguin's upbringing and worldview. Her legacy of fighting for workers' and women's rights shaped Gauguin's intellectual and artistic pursuits.

Childhood in Peru and Cultural Influences

Gauguin's early childhood in Peru, under the guardianship of his uncle Don Pio Tristan in a grand palace, left an indelible mark on his artistic sensibilities.

[09:24] Unknown Speaker:
"Gauguin was born in 1848 to Clovis and Aileen Gauguin..."

Prudho describes Peru as a "magical realist Eden" in Gauguin's memories, which later influenced his portrayal of tropical landscapes in his artwork.

[16:31] Prudho:
"They are anthropomorphic. They relate to their gods... They almost look like sort of props from a hammer horror movie."

She elaborates on the significance of pre-Columbian Moche pottery collected by Gauguin’s mother, which subtly influenced his own ceramic works and later inspired artists like Picasso.

Education and Intellectual Development in Paris

After returning to France, Gauguin’s tumultuous teenage years at a boarding school for trainee priests played a crucial role in his intellectual development.

[19:19] Stewart:
"He often said that his grandmother was responsible for his painting..."

[20:03] Prudho:
"Gauguin was a misfit... he couldn't speak French... he felt like a prisoner."

Under the mentorship of Cardinal Dupontlu, Gauguin was exposed to classical literature in original Latin and Greek, fostering his deep engagement with mythology and symbolism—elements that became hallmarks of his later work.

[19:57] Prudho:
"He always felt, you know, I definitely that Peru, you know, he was Peruvian. He was very proud of it."

Prudho also reveals a pivotal connection between Gauguin's school experiences and his masterpiece "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?"—a painting encapsulating his lifelong philosophical inquiries.

Transition to Adulthood and Artistic Career

Gauguin's departure from the merchant navy amid the Franco-Prussian War marks the beginning of his pursuit of a career in the arts, supported by his guardian Gustavo Rosa.

[20:16] Stewart:
"What kind of problems did he cause?"

[20:19] Prudho:
"He was a wild thing, and he was a wild thing and a rebel, but he was also an intellectual, widely read."

Prudho paints a picture of Gauguin as a multifaceted individual—rebellious yet deeply intellectual—whose personal struggles and diverse experiences fueled his creative genius.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a teaser for the next installment, promising a discussion on Gauguin's relationship with Vincent van Gogh.

[24:12] Stewart:
"Tomorrow, we'll hear about Gauguin's close relationship with Vincent van Gogh."

Listeners are left with a comprehensive understanding of Gauguin's formative years, the complexities of his character, and the rich tapestry of influences that shaped his art.

Notable Quotes

• Sue Prudho [02:26]:
  "I really can't get away with the idea of loving Gauguin's art and hating the man. So I thought, well, I'd better investigate and, you know, see if he really was as bad as they said he was."

• Alison Stewart [04:05]:
  "Gauguin. He was a violent pedophile. Do we really need to vindicate Gauguin?"

• Sue Prudho [04:05]:
  "The age of consent in France and the colonies was 13. This actually is pretty typical of the time."

• Sue Prudho [14:05]:
  "Flora was absolutely amazing... she was a real political activist. She was a firebrand."

• Sue Prudho [16:31]:
  "They are anthropomorphic. They relate to their gods... They almost look like sort of props from a hammer horror movie."

• Sue Prudho [19:57]:
  "He always felt, you know, I definitely that Peru, you know, he was Peruvian. He was very proud of it."

Listen to the full episode on WNYC weekdays from 12:00 - 2:00 PM to delve deeper into the life and legacy of Paul Gauguin.