img158 Paul Gauguin (1848-1903)

The composition presents a rural scene dominated by two large bovines and a solitary figure. The artist positioned the animals centrally, their imposing forms immediately drawing the viewers attention. One bull is rendered in deep reds and browns, its musculature suggested through broad brushstrokes and simplified shapes. Beside it stands another, lighter in color, with a more angular build.
Behind these creatures, a human figure, presumably a farmer or herder, walks away from the viewer. The individual’s posture suggests weariness or resignation; their head is bowed, and they are clad in simple, functional clothing – a white cap, dark jacket, and light-colored apron. This figures small scale relative to the animals reinforces a sense of human insignificance within the natural world.
The background is characterized by an abstracted landscape. Trees with thick, swirling branches form a canopy overhead, their foliage rendered in patches of green, blue, and pink. The ground slopes upwards towards the horizon, creating a shallow depth of field that flattens the perspective. A band of vibrant green delineates the lower portion of the background, acting as a visual anchor for the scene.
The color palette is notable for its unconventional use of hues. The juxtaposition of reds, greens, and blues creates an unsettling vibrancy, moving beyond straightforward representation towards a more expressive rendering of mood and atmosphere. The application of paint appears deliberate and somewhat rough, with visible brushstrokes contributing to the overall sense of immediacy and emotional intensity.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of labor, isolation, and the relationship between humanity and nature. The farmers retreat suggests a disconnection or perhaps an acceptance of his place within a larger, indifferent system. The powerful presence of the animals hints at primal forces beyond human control. The flattened perspective and distorted colors contribute to a dreamlike quality, suggesting that this is not merely a depiction of reality but rather an exploration of feeling and experience.