`Post-Impressionists: Van Gogh & Gauguin,' Sunday on A&E.(The Dallas Morning News)

Byline: Olin Chism

Genius rarely arises in isolation, so it's not surprising that great artists often knew each other. But seldom are they thrown together quite as dramatically as Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin were. Their interaction is a central part of a beautiful documentary airing on A&E Sunday night.

"Post-Impressionists: Van Gogh & Gauguin" is a double biography of two very dissimilar artists.

Van Gogh, born in Holland, was the son and grandson of Protestant clergymen. Shy and introspective, he tried his hand as an art salesman in London before deciding to enter the ministry. Imitating Christ, he lived among the desperately poor of …