15303 Paul Gauguin (1848-1903)

The composition presents a seated figure against a backdrop dominated by violet and blue hues, punctuated by splashes of white that suggest foliage or blossoms. The central subject is a woman dressed in traditional attire; her garments consist of a dark jacket with intricate detailing around the collar and cuffs, paired with a red skirt and a large, elaborately folded white head covering. Her gaze is directed towards the viewer, conveying an impression of quiet dignity rather than overt emotion.
To the left of the woman, positioned on what appears to be a table or ledge, rests a small sculpture depicting a female form in a seated posture. The sculpture’s skin tone contrasts with the womans complexion and clothing, drawing attention to its presence as an object within the scene. A handwritten inscription, A Belle Angele, is visible at the lower left corner of the painting, adding a personal or dedicatory element.
The artist employed a flattened perspective, minimizing depth and emphasizing the decorative qualities of the composition. The color palette is unconventional; the use of purple for the background creates an unusual atmosphere that departs from naturalistic representation. This choice contributes to a sense of stylization and symbolic weight.
Subtexts within the painting suggest themes of tradition, femininity, and perhaps remembrance or dedication. The traditional clothing signifies adherence to cultural norms and heritage. The sculpture’s presence introduces a layer of artistic self-reference or contemplation on beauty and form. The inscription A Belle Angele implies a personal connection between the artist and the subject, hinting at a portrait imbued with sentimentality. Overall, the work conveys an impression of deliberate artifice and symbolic resonance rather than straightforward realism.