Visions: Gauguin and His Time Van Gogh Studies 3

This volume explores Paul Gauguin's Vision of the Sermon (1888), examining themes of perception and representation, alongside critical responses from artists and critics, and the broader art context of the time.

Visions: Gauguin and His Time Van Gogh Studies 3 is a comprehensive exploration of Paul Gauguin's pivotal painting, Vision of the Sermon (1888). This volume, part of the Van Gogh Studies series, delves into the complexities of the artwork, examining its self-reflexive nature and its engagement with themes of perception, cognition, and representation. Art historian Dario Gamboni leads the discussion, highlighting how the painting invites viewers to reconsider their understanding of visual interpretation.

The book also addresses the broader impact of Gauguin's work on contemporary art criticism. Juliet Simpson analyzes the role of art critic Félix Vallotton Aurier in elevating Gauguin to the status of a quintessential symbolist artist. Additionally, Rodolphe Rapetti investigates Emile Bernard's artistic reactions to Vision of the Sermon, situating these responses within the framework of Rosicrucianism, which adds a layer of spiritual and philosophical context to the discussion.

Further contributions in this volume provide a rich tapestry of perspectives on Gauguin's influence and the artistic milieu of the time. Elise Eckermann meticulously outlines the Belgian art world's critical response to Gauguin, while June Hargrove offers insights into Gauguin's portrayals of his alter ego, Meijer de Haan. Other essays explore the role of institutions like the Thorvaldsen Museum in shaping artistic ideals and the diverse reactions of French artists to emerging psychological theories. Together, these essays create a nuanced understanding of Gauguin's legacy and the artistic currents of the late nineteenth century.