ZDF/Arte

The Antagonists – Rivalry in Art: van Gogh vs Gauguin

Arles 1888: Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin want to revolutionize modern art in their shared house, their studio of the south. But after a mere nine weeks the dream ends in disaster.

Arles 1888. Vincent van Gogh’s life long dream is about to come true: fellow painter Paul Gauguin has travelled to the Provence, to Vincent’s yellow house, his studio of the south. Together, Vincent hopes, they will found a forward-looking colony of artists. But things don’t go as planned – both men are very difficult characters. They bicker, argue and fight about artistic craftsmanship and role models – and, predictably, about women. After two months, the situation in the claustrophobic house escalates – van Gogh loses an ear and a myth is born. What has really happened in the night of the 23rd December 1888? Art Historians Belinda Thomson, Sjraar van Heugten and Nienke Bakker have investigated the life and work of these two trailblazers of modern art for many years. Now they tell the gripping tale of what really happened during those fatal nine weeks in Arles and the subsequent impact it had on the art world.

About the series:

Two outstanding artists, one location, and an acrimonious rivalry – these are the key ingredients for the three-part series “The Antagonists: Rivalry in Art” which deals with envy and burning ambition, drive and the desire to reach new heights of artistic creation, as well as failure and the triumph of success. At the heart of each episode lies a conflict and a break with tradition that will eventually lead to innovation. Through their rivalry we will come to understand their real character and their true story will be revealed.