The Case of the Disappearing Gauguin
The Haggin Museum’s exhibition, The Case of the Disappearing Gauguin, tells the story of Flowers and Fruit‘s journey in and out of authenticity. If Flowers and Fruit is not an authentic Gauguin, what is it? The exhibition, drawn from Dr. Brown’s book of the same title (Rowman & Littlefield, 2024), presents the painting’s story—from smoky auction rooms to California’s Central Valley. It unveils new technical analysis of the paint and canvas. And it invites visitors to examine the evidence and consider for themselves what constitutes authenticity. The Case of the Disappearing Gauguin opens October 3, 2024, in the Haggin’s New Gallery.
About the Author
Dr. Brown is a writer, historian, teacher, and curator. She is currently Assistant Program Director for the Johns Hopkins University’s MA in Museum Studies. She has taught and lectured at institutions nationwide. Stephanie’s professional and academic interests include the history of collecting and museums, material culture studies, and public history. She grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and earned her BA from Williams College and her PhD in French history from Stanford University.
Dr. Brown’s book, The Case of the Disappearing Gauguin: A Study of Authenticity and the Art Market, will be available for purchase in the Museum Store.
