Be In Love And You Will Be Happy Paul Gauguin (1848-1903)

The composition presents a densely populated scene rendered in a warm, earthy palette dominated by ochre and amber tones. The surface appears heavily textured, suggesting a relief carving or layered application of paint that creates a palpable sense of depth. A central female figure occupies the foreground; she is depicted nude, her body contorted in what seems to be an expression of anguish or supplication. Her arms are raised towards the upper portion of the composition, and her face is tilted upwards, conveying vulnerability and perhaps a plea for assistance.
Surrounding this central figure is a chaotic arrangement of other figures and symbolic elements. Several individuals appear to be clustered together in a state of distress, their faces etched with expressions of pain or despair. These figures are not clearly defined, blending into the overall texture and contributing to a sense of overwhelming emotional turmoil. A smaller, weeping female face is positioned near the lower right corner, further emphasizing the pervasive atmosphere of sorrow.
Above the central figure, a male profile gazes downwards, his expression inscrutable. He appears detached from the suffering below, creating a visual hierarchy that suggests observation rather than participation. The inscription soyez amoureux vous serez heureux (be in love you will be happy) is positioned above this male figure, adding a layer of ironic complexity to the scene. This phrase, intended as an affirmation of happiness through love, seems sharply at odds with the palpable suffering depicted below.
The inclusion of floral motifs – stylized roses or similar blooms – scattered throughout the composition introduces another level of interpretation. These flowers, typically associated with beauty and joy, appear incongruous within this context of distress, potentially symbolizing lost hope or a distorted perception of happiness. The overall effect is one of profound psychological tension, where the promise of love and happiness is juxtaposed against a backdrop of palpable suffering and despair. The artist seems to be exploring the complexities of human emotion, questioning the simplistic equation of love with happiness.