In this classic monograph, Françoise Cachin traces the evolution of Gauguin`s theories and painting technique from his earliest days as a selftaught painter to his last masterpieces painted in the South Seas. The text and over 300 illustrations follow Gauguin from Brittany to the Marquesas Islands in his life long search for the authentic, a search that passes through his break with the Impressionists and involvement with the Neo-Impressionists to the startling paintings made during his stay among the South Pacific islanders. Copiously illustrated throughout, this acclaimed study places the artist`s work in the context of his life, quoting from his copious correspondence to show how his painting was affected by what was going on around him-from the effervescence of his contemporaries to his personal tragedies.

This new edition has been thoroughly updated to reflect current international museum holdings.