Paper Summary:

This paper describes the similarities in life and artistic works of artists Paul Gaugin and Edgar Degas. First, a brief biography of Gauguin's life is presented, telling of his travels, their influence on his work and his personal style. The paper also discusses the impact of Gaugin on later artistic movements. Next, the paper gives a biographical sketch of Degas and his career as an artist. It describes in detail the various media that Degas used and the forms he created, including painting, sculpture and photography. Additionally, the paper points out that although Degas was referred to as an impressionist, his style differed significantly from this school. The paper concludes by noting Degas' techniques in painting and sculpture.

From the Paper:

"Paul Gauguin was born in Paris, but was reared around the globe. He spent parts of his childhood in Lima, Peru, and Orleans, France. Upon reaching adulthood, he became a member of the merchant marine and later the navy, so that travel was a substantial part of his adult life, and, at one time settled in Copenhagen, Denmark. This travel became a critical part of Gauguin's success as an artist, as he is probably best known for the paintings he created depicting life in Tahiti and Polynesia. These paintings are characterized by a bold use of color. In fact, his paintings are believed to have led to the Synthesist style of modern art and primitivism. Gauguin was also known for his use of wood as a medium. He worked in wood engravings and in woodcuts as art forms. These forms cannot be separated from Gauguin's experience in Polynesia and Tahiti, as they reflected folk art forms being used in those areas."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Degas, Edgar. Dancer at Rest, Hands Behind her Back, Right Leg Forward. Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, NY, 1882-1895.
• Degas, Edgar. Portrait of Mlle Fiocre in the Ballet "La Source." Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, NY, 1867-1868.
• Degas, Edgar. Woman Drying Her Hair. Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, NY, 1889.
• Gauguin, Paul. Garden at Vaugirard. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen, Denmark, 1881.
• Gauguin, Paul. Maurka. 1895. 22 Aug. 2009 <http://www.lilithgallery.com/arthistory/postimpressionism/ArtHistory-PaulGauguin.html>.

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