Paul Gauguin created some of the most advanced art in a brilliant generation of artists - all of whom struggled against the stifling conformity of the late 19th century's artistic mainstream.

He created paintings whose radically simplified lines and colours echoed the unschooled art of the rustic and native cultures he loved. After his famously disastrous stay with Vincent van Gogh in southern France, Gauguin escaped European civilization for the Polynesian islands. Immersing himself in the culture, he produced a series of radiant canvases and powerful sculptures - his last great works.

From his childhood in Peru to his experiences in Tahiti, the story of Gauguin's life is recounted in authoritative text by an expert on the Post-Impressionists and compelling imagery by an award-winning illustrator.

Paul Gauguin schuf einige der fortschrittlichsten Kunstwerke in einer Generation, die gegen die Akademien und den künstlerischen Mainstream aufbegehrte, Gemälde, deren radikal vereinfachte Linien und Farben an die ursprünglichen bäuerlichen und einheimischen Kulturen anknüpfen. Er entfloh der Zivilisation und tauchte in die Kulturen Polynesiens ein. Hier schuf er später berühmte, kraftvolle Kunstwerke.