Intelligence Squared Re-examining the Life of Paul Gauguin, with Sue Prideaux
4 snips
Jan 13, 2025 
Sue Prideaux, an award-winning biographer known for her works on luminaries like Nietzsche and Munch, dives deep into the life of Paul Gauguin. The discussion reveals the complex legacy of this 19th-century artist, exploring his controversial relationships in Tahiti and the impact of colonialism on his work. Prideaux shares insights from Gauguin's recently uncovered memoir and his connections with Polynesian cultural practices. She sheds light on his dual role as both an advocate for indigenous identity and a figure of contention in art history.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Gauguin Exhibit and Moral Questions
- Sue Prideaux, attending the 2019 Gauguin Portraits exhibition, questioned the morality of loving art while hating the artist.
- This prompted her research into Gauguin's life, focusing on the truth behind accusations of syphilis transmission and underage relations.
Age of Consent in 19th Century
- Gauguin's relationships with young girls were not illegal or unusual for the time. The age of consent in France and its colonies was 13 in the 1880s.
- This was consistent with or even higher than other countries like the United States, highlighting varying historical contexts.
Syphilis Accusation Debunked
- Scientific analysis of Gauguin's teeth revealed he likely did not have syphilis, debunking a common accusation.
- This analysis involved DNA verification and strontium isotope testing, providing concrete evidence against the claim.