Re-examining the Life of Paul Gauguin, with Sue Prideaux
Intelligence Squared
Deep Dive
Why has Paul Gauguin's legacy been reassessed in recent years?
Paul Gauguin's legacy has been reassessed due to new sensitivities towards race, gender, and colonialism. His actions, particularly his sexual relationships with young girls in Tahiti and his exploitation of his position as a privileged Westerner, have come under scrutiny. Exhibitions and reviews have questioned whether it is time to stop looking at Gauguin altogether, with some comparing him to a 19th-century Harvey Weinstein.
What was the age of consent in France and its colonies during Gauguin's time?
The age of consent in France and its colonies during Gauguin's time was 13 years. This was consistent with the norms of the 1880s, and in some parts of the United States, the age of consent was even lower, ranging from 10 to 12 years, with Delaware having an age of consent as low as 7.
What evidence disputes the claim that Gauguin spread syphilis in the South Seas?
The claim that Gauguin spread syphilis in the South Seas was disputed by a scientific article published in the journal Anthropole in 2018. DNA testing of Gauguin's teeth, verified by the Human Genome Project at Cambridge, concluded that he was most unlikely to have had syphilis.
What significant document written by Gauguin resurfaced in 2020?
In 2020, a 200-page handwritten and hand-illustrated book titled 'Avant et Après,' written by Gauguin at the end of his life, resurfaced. This document, which serves as his testament, was lost soon after his death but was later offered to the British government in lieu of death duties and is now housed in the Courtauld Institute.
How did Gauguin's early life in Peru influence his art?
Gauguin's early life in Peru, where he lived until he was seven, deeply influenced his art. He described his time there as pure bliss, running barefoot through the jungle and experiencing the natural beauty of the landscape. This period became his core Arcadia, a lost paradise that he sought to recreate in his art throughout his life.
What was the impact of the Exposition Universelle in 1889 on Gauguin's art?
The Exposition Universelle in 1889 had a significant impact on Gauguin's art. The exhibition celebrated France's civilizing mission and showcased various cultures from around the world. Gauguin was particularly influenced by the Polynesian art he saw, which contrasted with the destruction of local culture by French colonization. This exposure reinforced his desire to explore and depict the exotic in his work.
How did Gauguin's relationship with the indigenous people of Tahiti evolve?
Gauguin's relationship with the indigenous people of Tahiti evolved from initial curiosity to deep affection and advocacy. He fought against the exploitation and oppression by French colonial authorities, exposing corruption and advocating for the rights of the local population. This earned him the love and respect of the indigenous people, who saw him as a champion of their cause.
What was the significance of Gauguin's painting 'Te Orana Maria'?
Gauguin's painting 'Te Orana Maria' (Hail Mary) was significant for its depiction of a Polynesian Holy Family, with the Virgin Mary and Christ child both having Polynesian features. This radical portrayal caused a stir in Paris, as it challenged the conventional representation of religious figures and highlighted Gauguin's synthesis of Polynesian and Christian iconography.
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