Merje de Haan was brought up in the jewish quarter of Amsterdam,and soon chose a career in art working on scenes heavily influenced by Rembrandt and earing success with his portraits. In 1888 hE went to Paris where he met Theo van Gogh anD Paul Gauguin who became his maser. From 1888-1980 he collaborated with Gauguin until money and ill health forced is return to Amstersdam where he met an untimely death. Having been in obscurity for some time, he is now being rediscovered.