Self-portrait

1870s–1891 · Virkested

Paris

1886–1891 · Virkested

Pont-Aven

1887

Panama and Martinique

In 1887–1888 Gauguin visited Panama, where he observed the construction of the Panama Canal, and traveled on with the painter Laval to Martinique. Martinique helped bring about an evolution in his art, making Japanese influences apparent.

October – December 1888

Nine Weeks with Van Gogh in Arles

In 1888, at Theo's insistence, Gauguin worked for nine weeks with Vincent van Gogh in his Yellow House in Arles. Their relationship deteriorated: on the evening of 23 December 1888, according to Gauguin's later account, Vincent came at him with a razor and then cut off his own ear; Gauguin left Arles, and they never saw each other again.

c. 1888

Theo van Gogh Buys Gauguin's Paintings

Gauguin's Martinique paintings were seen at the dealer Portier's by Vincent van Gogh and his brother, the art dealer Theo, who bought three paintings for 900 francs and exhibited them at Goupil's, opening Gauguin's access to wealthy clients.

1 April 1891

Departure for Tahiti

On 1 April 1891, after a final visit to his wife and children in Copenhagen, Gauguin sailed for Tahiti, intending to escape European civilization and "everything that is artificial and conventional." He spent his first three months in Papeete, then set up a studio in a bamboo hut at Mataiea.