Adolphe Gaussen studied painting at the École des Beaux-Arts in Marseilles and later at the studio of Jean-Baptiste Olive. He spent some time in Paris and exhibited in the city from 1893 at the Salon des Artistes Français, of which he became a member, and at the Salon de la Société Coloniale at the École des Beaux-Arts. He also held numerous solo exhibitions. He was appointed official painter to the naval department and curator of the Musée Cantini in Marseilles. He was made an Officier of the Légion d'Honneur.

He produced only landscapes and found his inspiration in the ports of the Mediterranean, the sea shores and various picturesque spots in the region of Provence; his work was strongly inspired by a love of nature on both land and sea. His numerous works include: Porquerolles, The Mont-Rose Cliff near Marseilles, Entrance to the Port of La Joliette, Marseilles and L'Argade, Bay of St-Tropez.

Museum and Gallery Holdings

Aix-en-Provence (Mus. Granet)
Amsterdam
Arles
Beaune
Digne-les-Bains
Marseilles
New York
Nîmes
Paris (Mus. du Petit Palais)
Toulon
Troyes