118 Years Ago: A Failed Art Exhibition in Paris’s Drouo Auction House3 photos

118 years ago, a failed art exhibition of Paul Gauguin’s paintings took place at Paris’s Drouo auction house. For most of his life, Paul Gauguin lived in poverty, depression, and illness. His works often went unsold, leaving him to lead a miserable existence.

He broke away from his family, wandered around, and spent several years living in Brittany, Panama, and Martinique. In 1888, he worked together with Vincent Van Gogh in Arles. The rejection by his contemporary society sparked his interest in traditional ways of life. In 1891, an exhibition of his paintings was held in Paris, but only nine works were sold for modest amounts. All the money raised went toward paying the auction house.

Thanks to funds donated by friends, Gauguin was able to return to Polynesia after the failed auction. He had faced threats of a 1,000-franc fine and imprisonment, but these dangers were averted when he died of a heart attack. After his death, his works created in Polynesia were recognized as masterpieces. Their unique style, featuring vibrant colors, flat compositions, and monumental forms, influenced the artistic movements of many 20th-century artists.