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A monograph on the work of Paul Gauguin. ... Read more

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"May the day come--and perhaps soon--when I can flee to the woods on a South Sea island and live there in ecstasy, in peace and for art," Gauguin wrote to his wife, Mette, in 1890. As both art history and enduring legend have shown, Gauguin's life in the South Seas was anything but ecstatic or peaceful, even as he created some of the most revolutionary and iconic objects of his time. This book, to date the most comprehensive volume of the painter's letters to be published, offers an uncensored glimpse into Gauguin's life, from his days as a young newlywed reporting on the birth of his first child, through his early developments as an artist and finally throughout the extraordinary adventure of his years in Tahiti and the Marquesas. Gauguin's writings, from Noa Noa to his Intimate Journals, have proven him a talented, uninhibited literary stylist. Nowhere is this more evident than in these letters to many of his closest associates and, above all, to Mette, for whom he detailed his plans, described artworks in progress, and gave running accounts of his life and states of mind on distant shores. Published to coincide with the centennial of Gauguin's death and with a major international exhibition, Letters to His Wife and Friends restores to print, after many years, one of the most compelling, intimate and revealing epistolary autobiographies ever assembled.Paperback, 5.5 x 8.5 in./288 pgs / 0 color 16 BW0 duotone 0 ~ Item D20123 ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Refinement of artistic work through multiple castings.
The line that has always remained fixed in my mind was Gauguin's comment
on the refinement of a work. I think on a very basic level, to simply make a primary statement and move on has a very satisfying feeling to it. Miles Davis, among others, was fond of one takes because there is a spirit that is captured in that take, often lost on recurrent ones because of increased expectations, abstraction of an "ideal", and trying to recall of the "good stuff" while dismissing the "bad". Gauguin's work and life capture this idea quite well, and he voices a call-to-arms by bringing to light this notion of the non-refinement of the work. In Japanese ink calligraphy, the calligrapher has but one chance to draw to the rice paper; the live jazz improvisation must consider ALL of the performance to be part of the statement. It is a further comment against the hyperabstraction of Western artistic ideals, psuedo-ideals, that canonize relative cultural ideals and discard that which is considered non-beatiful or non-meaningful. ... Read more

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This second book in the new Art Encounters series centers on Paul Gauguin's painting Landscape with Peacocks, or Matamoe, and recreates the world the artist found in Tahiti when he painted the picture in 1892. This action-packed South Sea adventure is about a young sailor, Joe Sloan, and his mission to avenge the death of his friend, Robert. Joe searches for Robert's girlfriend, a Tahitian girl named Tehane, to deliver the sad news personally. He doesn't have to go far before fate reunites him with his friend's killer, the Marquesan warrior, Gun, and his evil master, a man known as the White Wolf. As Joe navigates the unknown territory of Tahiti and its people, he finds an unlikely ally in French artist Paul Gauguin. In the course of the story, readers are introduced to Gauguin and his work, the artist's relationships with the Tahitian natives, and his artistic temperament. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Loved It
This is such a masterfully written book.Even apart from the fact that it is based on historical events (interesting enough!), I thought the story worked so well as just a damn good story.If you have any interest at all in Paul Gauguin (or even if you don't!), I highly recommend this book.

cool story
This book is soooo cool! about a guy who gets revenge for his best friend's death at the hands of pirates. paul gaggin is in it too. he was a famous artist. he painted lots of pictures and had sex with lots of hot Tahitian girls! then he died of siphilis! ... Read more

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Inspired by a primitive way of life, Paul Gauguin came to reject the world of the Impressionists, leaving Parisian society in search of paradise. Explore the life of this 19th-century French artist through his astonishingly vibrant and exotic paintings.The DK ArtBook series presents both the life and works of each artist within the cultural, social, and political context of their time. To make the books easy to consult, they are divided into three areas -- the life and works of the artist, historical and cultural background, and analysis of major works -- which are identifiable by side bands. Each spread focuses on a specific theme, with an introductory text and several annotated illustrations. Few art history texts contain such abundance of full-color illustrations. The index section is also illustrated and gives background information on key figures and the location of the artist's works. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Informative--great for students
Well, I won't waste your time. The bottom line-- is this book is worth buying. Its got great insight on many of Gauguin's paintings, and even discusses his background and influences. A must for any art student, or art buff. Your money will not be wasted! For ten bucks, you'll be buying a book you'll use time and time again. Good luck, and happy book buying! ... Read more

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A brief biography of the French artist accompanies reproductions and analyses of several of his works. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Large, color reproductions with analysis; brief biography
Full page, color illustrations of Paul Gaugin's work appear with the author's interpretation and some background information about each work of art on the facing page. I appreciate the large, color reproductions. There is very brief biographical information at the beginning of the book. I don't feel the biographical information was quite enough, even for my 6 year old, so we will supplement with another children's biography on Gaugin. This was a great first book to read about Paul Gaugin. However, this book is not to be missed. What makes it special is the large format of the pictures and the in-depth analysis of each work, which seldom appears in children's books about an authors' work.

It is a shame that this book is out of print! ... Read more

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This unique book is the first to give equal weight to Gauguin's activities, both as an artist and a writer, providing rare insight into his intractable character and uncompromising ideals. Includes over 230 reproductions of the artist's most powerful and decorative works of art, as well asrare letters to his wife and friends, including fellow painters Pisarro and Van Gogh. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

great reference book
Maurer has provided all van Gogh and Gauguin scholars a wonderful book to aid them in their studies.It provides fabulous photos of works and she does an excellent job of comparing them.She even has a few paintings thathave up until now not been photographed in color.A good study of thesegreat artists and their struggles for original expression and spirituality. Recommended for any scholar. ... Read more

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Discover how artists work and share ideas

Living alone in the south of France, Vincent van Gogh missed the company of other painters. Hoping to attract artists to Arles, where he was staying, van Gogh invited Paul Gauguin to come live with him in his Yellow House. For two months, in the fall of 1888, the two men painted side by side.

However, the artists set about their work in very different ways. Vincent painted what he saw around him; Paul painted from his memory and imagination. Vincent painted quickly, while Paul often worked on canvases over a period of time.

The Yellow House, published in association with the Art Institute of Chicago, is a thought-provoking story about how artists generate and share ideas and how they work. Along with reproductions of actual paintings by van Gogh and Gauguin, the rich and lively illustrations by Jos. A. Smith bring to life the history of two artists at work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great except for potentially scary or inappropriate content
This is a picture book format story for children aged 4-8, about the time period when Paul Gaugin lived with Vincent van Gogh in Arles, France. Bright and lovely illustrations by Jos. A. Smith and reproductions of van Gogh and Gaugin's works comprise the illustrations. There is not much coverage of the impressionists in general. If this is read as a first exposure to van Gogh, Gaugin, or impressionism, the child will be confused or not understanding. I feel this is a great accompaniment after the child knows something about the Impressionist movement, van Gogh, and Gaugin. The bright and lively illustrations really make this a special book.

The story covers the time when van Gogh invited Gaugin to visit through their visit and then ending with a description of their pen pal relationship after Gaugin left Arles. The story explains the different painting methods they used, even when painting the same subject at the same time. The author explains their use of their favorite colors for backgrounds is shown and how van Gogh preferred to paint exactly what he saw while Gaugin preferred to paint from his imagination or from the content of his dreams.

Their explosive relationship is discussed, including a fight that culminated in van Gogh cutting off part of his ear, which was the last straw for Gaugin, resulting in Gaugin's departure. Depending on the sensitivity of the child, learning of this event this could be disturbing. At the back of the book is a one-page biography of each artist. I am not sure if this part was intended to be read to the child; within the van Gogh bio, it is explained that van Gogh suffered from strange moods since boyhood, then goes on to say that after the ear-cutting episode the townspeople "demanded he be locked up in a mental hospital" and goes on to say he did end up in a mental asylum. Whether you want to read this to your young child is up to you. I take issue with the idea of telling young children that townspeople can call for someone to be locked up and then knowing it came to fruition! There is also the question of how much information you want your young child to know, or how much can they understand, about depression, mental illness and the mental asylums of the 1800s. I am not calling for censorship or shaming of depression or mental illnesses, but I have issues with as to the appropriate age to venture into a discussion of mental illness, depression and self-mutilation. Other van Gogh biographies for children aged 4-8 have not included information about the ear-cutting or about the mental asylum visit, although adults seem to always be interested in this part of van Gogh's life.

If the book did not contain the ear-cutting incident in the main body of the story I'd rate this 5 stars; I'll rate it 4 stars due to the content potentially being disturbing for children aged 4-8 which the publisher states this is appropriate for.

Meet Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin
During the fall of 1888, Vincent Van Gogh invited Paul Gauguin to come live and paint with him in the Yellow House in the south of France."...he missed the company of other people, especially artists who could discuss painting.He hoped that warm, sunny Arles would attract fellow painters to join him.Together they would form a kind of family of artists, a Studio of the South."Van Gogh and Gauguin were very different in both temperment and style.Van Gogh worked quickly, painting "exactly what he saw with his own eyes", and often completed a painting in just one sitting.He "liked to load his brush with lots of paint and put it on the canvas in dots and dashes...Thick swirls of strong colors expressed his feelings-his love of nature, his joy in painting."Gauguin worked very differently.He painted more slowly, blending his paints on a palette, and spreading the colors "smoothly in careful shapes."He "painted pictures from his imagination-feelings, fantasies, and dreams."Together they worked side by side for two months, discussing art and techniques, and learning much from each other.And even after Gauguin left Arles, they continued to encourage each other through their letters.....Based on actual events, Susan Goldman Rubin has written an elegant and compelling story about the relationship between these two great artists.Her eloquent text is straightforward and informative.But it's Jos. A. Smith's artwork that really makes this book stand out.His evocative illustrations dazzle as they compare and contrast Van Gogh's and Gauguin's styles, techniques, and use of color, and include reproductions of some of the paintings created during that two month period.With biographies at the end to fill in details about both painter's lives and work, The Yellow House is an engaging, fact filled introduction, rich in history and drama, that is sure to intrigue young art lovers 5-10, and send them out looking for more

For inquisitive and artistic young minds
The Yellow House: Vincent van Gogh & Paul Gauguin Side By Side is a children's color picturebook about the how two legendary artists, Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin, lived together in a Yellow House the south of France in 1888, and shared ideas about their painting. Yet they set about their artwork in very different ways; for example, Vincent painted what he saw while Paul painted from his memory and imagination. The Yellow House is not only an enjoyable story, but also an excellent introduction to the world of art for young readers. The vibrant color artwork strives to emulate a spark of the creative genius that van Gogh and Gauguin themselves poured into their life's work. The last two pages of The Yellow House consist of short biographies of the famous artists. An ideal gift book selection, The Yellow House is highly recommended gift book for inquisitive and artistic young minds.

LESSONS IN ART AND AMIABLENESS
What a wonderful way to teach children about art!And, not only are young readers introduced to two of the most colorful and compelling artists, but they also garner lessons in learning from one another and getting along with others.

Published in association with the Art Institute of Chicago this keepsake volume includes fine quality reproductions of paintings by van Gogh and Gauguin, as well as a brief but instructive biography of each painter.

During the autumn of 1888 these two mercurial artists shared a home in the south of France.Lonely and wanting the company of other painters van Gogh invited Gauguin to share his home in Arles.For some two months the men worked in close proximity to one another.

Disagree? Of course, they.did.In addition to technique and style they probably argued about a number of things.One thing they did agree on was that they could learn from each other.

Regrettably at that time van Gogh was on the brink of his nervous breakdown, and when that occurred Gauguin fled to Paris.

Yet, in many ways their time together was productive and memorable for both artists."The Yellow House" will surely live in the minds of many young readers! ... Read more

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In this penetrating and daring biography of Paul Gauguin (1848–1903), Nancy Mowll Mathews traces the themes of sex and violence through the artist's life, from the near-murderous quarrels of his grandparents, to his abusive treatment of his wife, to his sexual encounters in French Polynesia in the 1890s. The book examines how Gauguin used these complex themes in his art and writings and how he carefully presented his "erotic life" in the autobiographical treatises "Noa Noa" (1893) and "Avant et Après" (1903). The central drama of Gauguin's adulthood--his marriage to Mette Gad Gauguin--is assessed in detail, and with the inclusion of some of Mette's previously unpublished letters, both sides of the Gauguin marriage are presented for the first time.Mathews also provides fascinating new insights into understanding Gauguin's relationships with men and women and the roles that sexuality and aggression played in shaping his art. She also illuminates his homosocial, if not homoerotic, relationships with Vincent van Gogh, Emile Schuffenecker, and Charles Filiger. Gauguin's genius resided not only in his forging of new artistic paths, Mathews concludes, but in his ability to bring his sexual fantasies alive for a large audience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fresh approach
This book, in its calm, even-handed way, manages to make Paul Gauguin come to life for the first time.Rather than rehash the myths about this man (which, Mathews demonstrates, were started by Gauguin himself), the author goes directly to the primary sources to trace his life and understand his character.It turns out that he did beat his wife and leave her and their five children without financial support.And he treated most of his friends and colleagues with equal heartlessness. But the story does not end there.It goes on to show how even out of such a flawed character great art could arise.This book teaches much about the unpredictability of creative talent.

Prejudiced Author
It is unfortunate when an author approaches his or her subject with such a predetermined perspective that the author's opinions and report of facts becomes suspect.This is clearly the case with Nancy Mathews approach to Paul Gauguin.

She starts with the assumption that he is an abusive and violent man, and selectively views his life to support this distorted view.

Some examples: At p. 66 that author states: "It is not known whether Gauguin beat his children."What an outrageous statement for a purportedly objective biographer to make!It is like the proverbial qustion "When did you stop beating your wife?"

On page 62 as an example of Gauguin's "cruelty" to women is cited the fact that when Gauguin engaged in the Danish custom of men and women bathing nude at the beach he actually looked at a pretty, nude woman.

Also on page 62 the author states that when Gauguin left Denmark and returned to Paris, "Out of spite he took one of the children ..Clovis".The author offers not a sintilla of evidence to back up her statement that this action was spitefully motivated, rather than a natural paternal desire to have one of his sons with him.

Whatever merits the book may otherwise have, this obvious bias of the author makes the entire book suspect. ... Read more

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This large, lavish journey through the art of the 19th-century French landscape offers a host of masterful works, among them Corot's Forest of Fontainbleau, Millet's End of the Hamlet of Gruchy, Renoir's Rocky Crags at L'Estaque, and Monet's Rue de la Bavolle, Honfleur. As is often the case, however, some of the most wonderful things to see are also the least expected: rare and unusual monotypes by Degas, three states of a softground etching by Pissarro, and numerous works by some of their lesser-known but equally important contemporaries. Unlike previous books on the topic, Impressions of Light presents a unique and stunningly complete group of work that introduces a new level of complexity into the discussion of French landscapes. Rather than considering the landscape as a steady, linear development and the product of a single medium, it takes into account the many crosscurrents and intersecting developments in French art, from the Barbizon school through the post-Impressionist period. In addition, it studies the landscape in a variety of media--painting, prints, and photography--exploring both the individual artists' perceptions and the ways in which they influenced each other. With over 80 paintings and 70 works on paper from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston's collections, and published to accompany a major exhibition, Impressions of Light encompasses more than 100 years and 56 artists working in a dozen different media. It holds the broadest possible view, yet never loses sight of the extraordinary intricacy that makes the landscape so enduringly appealing. Artists Include:Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Huet, Odilon Redon, Jean-Francois Millet, Charles-Francois Daubigny, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cezanne, and Paul Gaugin among others.

Essays by Fronia E. Wissman, Karen E. Haas, Anne Havinga, Sue Welsh Reed and Barbara Stern Shapiro.
Introduction by George T.M. Shackelford.

Clothbound, 320 pages, 180 color and 25 b&w ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Come Visit Beautiful French Landscapes
The book Impressions of Light by George Shackleford et al is a companion book to an art exhibit of works from Boston's Museum of Fine Art. The paintings are landscapes created by France's greatest nineteenth century painters and photographers. Most of the painters are Impressionists but others schools are represented as well. The book also contains sketches which were part of the exhibit. The sketches, as well as the written commentary which accompanies many of them, allows the reader to better understand the creative process of the painters. The factual information in the book is very extensive and helps the readers see more in the works than normally meets the eye. Perhaps what is most interesting about this book and the collection of paintings and photographs included it is the plethora of lesser known works by these great artists. Readers, especially those who have been fortunate to view the exhibit, will be transported to the settings of these great works and gain a deeper appreciation of these great artists and photographers.

A spectaculrly beautifully, illustrated art history
Impressions Of Light: The French Landscape From Corot To Monet is a lavishly, richly, spectaculrly beautifully, illustrated art history showcasing one hundred years of French art and 56 French artists. Included area wealth of rare and unusual monotypes by Degas, three states of a softground etching by Pissarro, and numerous illustrative works by lesser-known by equally significant contemporaries. Of particular interest is the attention paid to intersecting developments in French art from the Barbizon school through post-Impressionism. Enhanced with more than 80 paintings and 70 works on paper drawn from the MFA collections, showcasing the French landscape through painting, prints, and photography, Impressions Of Light deftly explores individual artists' perceptions as well as the manifold ways that influenced each other. Impressions Of Light will prove to be a welcome and much appreciated contribution to Art History collections in general, and 19th Century French landscape art and photography in particular. ... Read more

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Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

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Sotheby catalogue for the 2003 auction op Paul Gauguin's Maternite (II). Includes essay and reproductions from the painting and of Gauguin. ... Read more

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An outstanding stylistic innovator, French artist Paul Gauguin pioneered an appreciation of the simple and primitive in art. Twenty-four of the great postimpressionist’s finest works are included in this superb card collection, among them Tahitian Landscape, Reveries, and Portrait of the Artist with a Palette. Ideal for framing, adding to a personal collection or sending to art-loving friends.
... Read more

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This work offers an opportunity to see at first hand a selection of pages from "Noa Noa", the painted manuscript that is Gaugin's personal record of the time he spent in the South Pacific. Kept today in the Louvre, this intimate journal contains the artist's day-to-day writings interspersed with brightly painted watercolours and woodcuts. Exotic landscapes and richly imaginative scenes are illustrated here in detail. A text by Marc Le Bot explores the history of this document, showing how it can provide a deeper understanding of Gaugin's artistic language and meaning. ... Read more

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Impressions from two years in Tahiti. Compelling autobiographical fragment. 24 b/w illus.
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Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent translation.
Very readable translation.This is not the best edition if you want good reproductions of drawings. But in terms of getting a good text for a good price it's great.

I'm not really going to review the book itself as I assume most people who are here know that this was Gauguin's attempt to put together a what he hoped would be a best selling travelogue that would promote his art.He was hoping to cash in on the success of Pierre Loti's best seller the Marriage of Loti which was set in exotic Tahiti. It never made any money, but this is mostly because of it's idiosyncratic style.But for anyone interested in Gauguin's Tahitian experience it's great.Also check out his intimate journals which came out posthumously and cover also his life before Tahiti.

It's actually an experimental novel
Typically considered a journal or memoir, Gauguin's book is in fact an early type of experimental multimedia novel.Thematically, Gauguin burlesques Pierre Loti's "Marriage of Loti", while structurally he interleaves narrative with his own highly-inventive Post-impressionist woodcarvings.It's a fine book: Gauguin could have been a great novelist, if he weren't already busy.

A Unique Opportunity
Though you may quarrel with Guaguin tactics or motivations, his art stands alone--brilliant, moving, subtle.It is always intriquing to hear the voice of a master painter and "Noa, Noa," affords that opportunity.

Noa Noa
Contemplations visual, intellectual and spiritual.In 1891, French painter Paul Gauguin fled to the island of Tahiti - "a sixty-three days' voyage, sixty-three days of feverish expactancy;"begun as an unofficial visit regarding the imminent death of the island's king Pomare -- and resulting in a profoundly moving sea-change (spirit, observation, happiness).The Tahitian theology, natural history, and especially the progress of his relationships - a gift. This is a good book to read BEFORE embarking on your "desert island" voyage, but beware!Hard to top once you're there on some other island.An exceptional journal, with a graceful translation (it seems) by O. F. Theis from the French.Rated 9 (needs more color plates of paintings! but a lovely, portable paper edition) Other recommended travel/discovery books: Off the Map: Bicycling Across Siberia, by Mark Jenkins.1993 HarperPerennial pb. Letters from Iceland, by W. H. Auden & Louis MacNeice.1990 Paragon House pb. Why Come To Slaka? by Malcolm Bradbury.1991 Penguin Books pb. Travels With Lizbeth (writing/homelessness), by Lars Eighner. The Starship & the Canoe (Freeman Dyson & son George) Bird of Jove (falconry), by David Bruce.1994 Texas A&M pb. The Earthsea Trilogy, by Ursula K. Le Guin Ishi (anthropology/Native American history), by Theodora Kroeber ... Read more