Contes barbares, 1902, 130x89 cm, Museum Folkwang, E Paul Gauguin (1848-1903)

The composition presents a group of three figures set against a dense, stylized backdrop. In the foreground, two individuals, presumably male, are seated close together. The figure on the left possesses darker skin and a more stoic expression; he appears to be observing something beyond the viewers perspective. To his right sits another man with lighter skin and vibrant red hair adorned with flowers. He leans towards the first figure, creating an intimate connection between them. Both men are unclothed from the waist up, their bodies rendered in broad strokes of warm earth tones. They wear simple loincloths that offer a minimal covering.
Behind these figures, partially obscured by foliage, stands a third individual. This person is distinguishable by their lighter skin tone and facial hair; they appear to be observing the pair with an air of contemplation or perhaps even apprehension. The figure wears a blue shirt with a high collar and a red cap, which contrasts sharply with the earthy tones of the foreground.
The background itself is rendered in a manner that prioritizes atmosphere over realistic depiction. Tall, slender trees are visible, their forms blurred by a hazy light. Clusters of pink flowers punctuate the foliage, adding a touch of vibrancy to the otherwise muted palette. The overall effect is one of dreamlike ambiguity; the setting feels both exotic and vaguely unsettling.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of cultural encounter, intimacy, and perhaps even voyeurism. The juxtaposition of figures with differing skin tones and attire suggests an exploration of difference and otherness. The closeness between the two seated men hints at a complex relationship – one that could be interpreted as friendship, familial connection, or something more ambiguous. The presence of the third figure, positioned in the background, introduces a sense of distance and observation, raising questions about power dynamics and perspective. It is possible to read this individual’s gaze as representing an external force – perhaps societal judgment or colonial scrutiny – observing the interaction between the two central figures.
The flattened perspective and simplified forms contribute to a feeling of timelessness and universality. The artist seems less interested in portraying specific individuals than in exploring broader themes related to human connection, cultural identity, and the complexities of representation.