Portrait of the artist with an idol, ca 1893, 43.8x3 Paul Gauguin (1848-1903)

The composition presents a close-up portrait of a man, positioned slightly off-center and gazing directly at the viewer. He is depicted with a pensive expression; his chin rests upon his hand, creating a gesture suggestive of contemplation or introspection. The face exhibits a certain severity, accentuated by prominent eyebrows and a neatly trimmed mustache. A dark, somewhat unruly fringe frames his forehead, contributing to an overall impression of intellectual intensity.
The artist employed a limited palette dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, greens – with occasional accents of red in the collar and stripes on the garment he wears. The brushwork is visible, lending texture and immediacy to the surface. Light falls unevenly across his face, highlighting certain features while leaving others in shadow, which further enhances the sense of depth and complexity.
Behind the man, partially obscured by his shoulder and a rectangular yellow form, appears another figure. This second individual is rendered with a greenish hue and possesses an enigmatic expression, their gaze directed away from the viewer. The presence of this secondary figure introduces a layer of ambiguity to the work. It could represent a deity, a historical figure, or perhaps even a symbolic representation of the artist’s inner self – a muse or a source of inspiration.
The yellow rectangle positioned between the two figures acts as a visual barrier and simultaneously draws attention to the idol-like presence behind the man. Its placement suggests a deliberate separation, hinting at a complex relationship between the individual depicted and the figure he appears to be contemplating. The overall effect is one of psychological depth, inviting speculation about the artist’s personal beliefs or artistic influences. It seems that the painting explores themes of identity, inspiration, and the interplay between the self and external forces.