Exhibit Reads
Join us as we investigate Dr. Stephanie Brown’s The Case of the Disappearing Gauguin: A Study of Authenticity and the Art Market. This compelling book unravels the mystery of Flowers and Fruit, a painting long attributed to Paul Gauguin and treasured by the Haggin Museum.
Dr. Brown takes readers on a fascinating journey through newly discovered archives, tracing the painting’s history from its debut in Paris and New York to its rediscovery in Stockton in 2018. Readers will grapple with questions of authenticity, value, and the intricate dynamics of the art market.
This book complements the ongoing exhibit, The Case of the Disappearing Gauguin, on view through April 6th, 2025. On Saturday, March 29th, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., join us for a special Exhibit Reads gathering featuring a discussion with Dr. Stephanie Brown, an interactive art mystery activity, and a reveal of the exhibit’s visitor votes.
Examine “letters and correspondence,” hidden clues, and inventory records to form your own theory about the painting’s authenticity. Then, discover which evidence—provenance, connoisseurship, or scientific analysis—visitors find most convincing as we tally the votes and discuss the results.
Don’t miss this engaging opportunity to connect with fellow readers, uncover art world secrets, and solve a mystery! Please pick up your copy at our Museum Store and join us for this unforgettable journey.
Guided questions have been provided to enhance the Exhibit Reads experience. Click the button below to download a PDF.