Paul Gauguin (1848–1903) was a French Post-Impressionist painter and one of the leading figures of the Symbolist movement. Born in Paris, Gauguin initially worked as a successful stockbroker before dedicating himself to art. His early works, such as "Vision After the Sermon" (1888), reflected Impressionist influences, but Gauguin later sought a more primitive and symbolic expression, particularly during his time in Tahiti. Embracing vivid colors and simplified forms, he became a pioneer of Synthetism. Gauguin's art often explored themes of spirituality, mythology, and exoticism, influencing modern art movements like Fauvism and Primitivism. His quest for artistic authenticity and rejection of Western conventions made him a significant precursor to the 20th-century avant-garde. Gauguin's lasting impact on the art world continues to be celebrated for its innovative approach and thematic richness.