Paul Gauguin and Synthetism: Between Inner Vision and Reinvention of Reality

Paul Gauguin embodies one of the major turning points in modern painting, an artist in search of the absolute, who transcended the Impressionist legacy to pave the way for new aesthetics. Initially a companion of the Impressionists, Gauguin gradually distanced himself from them to develop a more radical approach, marked by the simplification of forms, the intensity of colors, and a symbolic vision of the world. Through Synthetism , a concept he developed alongside Émile Bernard, he sought to translate not only visible reality, but also emotion and ideas, by refining composition and exalting pure color.

This style, which flourished in the Breton landscapes of Pont-Aven and later in the imagined exoticism of Tahiti, marked a break with naturalistic representation, giving rise to a more spiritual and expressive painting. By transcending the boundaries of Impressionism, Gauguin became one of the pillars of Post-Impressionism, influencing numerous artists, from Van Gogh to Matisse. His work, a blend of primal inspirations, myths, and inner visions, paved the way for modern art and the pictorial subjectivity that would characterize the 20th century.

Post-Impressionist painting depicting an encounter between a man wearing a brown coat and a woman in traditional Breton dress, separated by a wooden barrier, in a colorful landscape under a stormy sky with a rainbow in the background.
Paul Gauguin, Bonjour Monsieur Gauguin, 1889. Oil on canvas, held at the National Gallery in Prague. This Symbolist work, inspired by Gustave Courbet's Bonjour Monsieur Courbet, depicts Gauguin himself as a solitary traveler facing a Breton peasant woman, in a dreamlike landscape of intense colors and stylized forms

Paul Gauguin's Youth and Artistic Beginnings

Paul Gauguin was born on June 7, 1848, in Paris. His mother, Aline Chazal, was of Peruvian origin, and his father, Clovis Gauguin, was a journalist. After his father's premature death, Gauguin spent part of his childhood in Lima, Peru, before returning to France. From a very young age, Gauguin showed a marked interest in art, although his family encouraged him to pursue a more conventional career.

At the age of 17, Gauguin joined the merchant navy, then worked as a stockbroker in Paris. It was only at the age of 35, after the stock market crash of 1882, that he decided to devote himself entirely to painting. His early works, influenced by the Impressionists, already showed a particular sensitivity to color and light.

Paul Gauguin's encounter with the Impressionists

Gauguin began his artistic career by frequenting Impressionist circles in Paris. He met artists such as Camille Pissarro, Edgar Degas, and Paul Cézanne, who became his mentors and friends. Gauguin participated in several Impressionist exhibitions, notably the fifth exhibition in 1880, where he presented his first works.

However, Gauguin quickly distinguished himself from the Impressionists with his more symbolic and synthetic approach to painting. Inspired by Japanese prints and primitive art, he developed a unique style, characterized by vivid colors, simplified forms, and bold composition.

Paul Gauguin's Breton and Pont-Aven period

In 1886, Gauguin traveled to Brittany, where he discovered the Pont-Aven region. This period was pivotal in his artistic development. Inspired by the landscapes and local traditions, Gauguin created some of his most famous works, such as "The Vision After the Sermon" (1888).

In Pont-Aven, Gauguin founded the Pont-Aven School, a group of artists who shared his ideas on synthetic art. Among his disciples were Émile Bernard and Paul Sérusier, who helped to disseminate Gauguin's ideas. This period was marked by a spiritual quest and a search for formal simplification, which would become central characteristics of his work.

Paul Gauguin's Style and Techniques

Gauguin's style is distinguished by a bold use of color and an expressive technique. His works are often characterized by flat areas of color and simplified forms, creating harmonious and balanced compositions. Gauguin uses color to represent reality, but also to express his emotions and spiritual ideas.

Among his most famous works, The Vision After the Sermon (1888) is an iconic example of his talent. This painting, depicting a religious scene, illustrates his mastery of color and his ability to capture the spiritual essence of a moment. Vivid reds and blues contrast with greens and yellows, creating a striking visual harmony.

Travel and exotic inspirations

Seeking new inspiration, Gauguin embarked on several exotic journeys. In 1891, he left for Tahiti, where he hoped to find a lost paradise and a primitive society, uncorrupted by Western civilization. His Tahitian works, such as "Women of Tahiti" (1891) and "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?" (1897), are marked by a profound sensuality and spirituality.

Gauguin also drew inspiration from Polynesian cultures, incorporating local motifs and symbols into his works. His Tahitian paintings, characterized by vibrant colors and bold compositions, reflect his spiritual quest and his desire to merge art and life.

Painting What! Are you jealous? by Paul Gauguin, depicting two naked Tahitian women lying on the sand, in a post-impressionist style with warm and contrasting colors.
What! Are you jealous? (1892) – Paul Gauguin. An intimate and peaceful scene inspired by Tahitian life, where the sensuality of bodies blends with the vibrant colors and simplified forms characteristic of Gauguin's post-impressionist style.

The themes and subjects of Paul Gauguin

The themes explored by Gauguin are varied and often imbued with symbolism. His works include landscapes, portraits, scenes of daily life, and religious subjects. Gauguin was particularly interested in primitive cultures and local traditions, seeking to capture the spiritual essence of these societies.

His numerous and introspective self-portraits offer a glimpse into his state of mind and inner struggles. "Self-Portrait with Idol" (1893) is one of the most famous, depicting the artist with a Polynesian idol in the background. This painting, with its vivid colors and tormented expression, reflects Gauguin's spiritual quest.

Self-portrait of Paul Gauguin with a hat, pensive gaze, coloured background with a painting depicting a reclining woman, in a post-impressionist Synthetist style with contrasting colours.
Self-Portrait with Hat (1893) – Paul Gauguin. An introspective self-portrait where the artist depicts himself with a pensive gaze, surrounded by elements of his pictorial universe, including an evocation of Tahiti in the background.

Personal life and health

Gauguin's personal life was marked by hardship and suffering. His health problems, exacerbated by loneliness and a lack of recognition, had a profound impact on his work. After returning from Tahiti, Gauguin spent time in the Marquesas Islands, where he continued to paint despite his difficulties.

His time in the Marquesas Islands was particularly prolific. It was there that he created some of his most famous works, such as "The Rider on the Beach" (1902). This painting, depicting a solitary rider on a deserted beach, reflects the beauty of nature and the artist's inner turmoil.

The Legacy and Afterlife of Paul Gauguin

Paul Gauguin left behind a rich and varied artistic legacy. His works, exhibited in the world's greatest museums, continue to inspire artists and art lovers. His innovative approach to painting and his contribution to Impressionism have earned him a prominent place in art history.

After his death in 1903, his works were recognized for their artistic merit and originality. Retrospective exhibitions and critical studies helped to bring his work to a wider audience, solidifying his reputation as a master of Impressionism. Today, Gauguin is considered one of the most influential artists of all time, his work continuing to captivate and move generations of admirers.

Paul Gauguin: A Timeless Work at the Heart of the Artistic Revolution

Paul Gauguin, through his talent and determination, established himself as one of the leading figures of Impressionism. His work, imbued with sensitivity and technical mastery, testifies to his unique vision and his commitment to this revolutionary movement. Through his exotic landscapes, introspective portraits, and spiritual scenes, Gauguin captured the essence of nature and the human condition, leaving a lasting and inspiring legacy for future generations. His influence on art history is undeniable, and his name remains synonymous with beauty and emotion in the world of painting.

Also worth reading are other artists of Synthetism and Cloisonnism: