Paul Gauguin – Parau na te Varua ino (Words of the Devil) National Gallery of Art (Washington)

The composition presents a dense, layered scene set within what appears to be a tropical environment. A figure, seemingly male and unclothed save for a loincloth held in his hand, dominates the right side of the canvas. He stands with a contemplative gesture, his chin resting on his hand, gazing off into the distance. His posture conveys a sense of introspection or perhaps melancholy.
To his left sits another individual, dressed in a blue suit and seated cross-legged. The contrast between this figure’s formal attire and the surrounding natural setting is striking, suggesting an outsider looking in, or perhaps representing a cultural divide. This persons expression appears somber, contributing to the overall mood of quiet introspection.
The background is rendered with broad strokes of green and brown, creating a sense of depth and lush vegetation. Interspersed within this foliage are several ambiguous forms: what seems to be an animal head peering from behind the trees, and other indistinct shapes that could represent figures or spirits. These elements introduce a layer of mystery and potential symbolism.
The ground is painted with undulating lines in shades of pink and red, which create a sense of movement and instability beneath the figures. This unusual color choice for the earth contributes to an otherworldly atmosphere. The overall effect is one of dreamlike quality, where reality and myth seem to intertwine.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of cultural encounter, spirituality, and perhaps even alienation. The juxtaposition of Western clothing with a tropical landscape suggests a clash between cultures or a sense of displacement. The ambiguous figures in the background hint at unseen forces or spiritual presences that influence the scene. The color palette, particularly the use of pinks and reds for the ground, evokes a feeling of both beauty and unease, suggesting a complex emotional landscape.