Gauguin (15) Paul Gauguin (1848-1903)

The composition presents a still life arrangement interwoven with two figures positioned within an interior space. A table dominates the foreground, supporting a vibrant bouquet of red flowers contained in a blue vase. The blossoms are rendered with energetic brushstrokes, their forms somewhat abstracted and contributing to a sense of visual dynamism. Behind the floral display, a wall is illuminated by a warm, amber light, creating a stark contrast against the darker tones used for the figures.
On the left side of the canvas, a figure in a red head covering appears partially obscured, gazing towards the right. The individual’s expression seems contemplative or perhaps slightly apprehensive. To their right stands another figure, a woman with dark hair and a somber gaze directed forward. Her posture is formal, her hand resting on her lap, suggesting a sense of restraint or dignity.
The artist employed a flattened perspective, minimizing depth and emphasizing the two-dimensionality of the scene. The color palette is largely composed of earthy tones – browns, greens, and ochres – punctuated by the intense red of the flowers and the blue of the vase. This limited range contributes to a sense of visual unity while also highlighting the vibrancy of the floral arrangement.
The inscription TE TIARE PARANI appears on the table’s surface, adding an element of cultural specificity that hints at a location beyond the Western world. The overall effect is one of quiet observation and understated emotion. It suggests a moment captured within a domestic setting, imbued with a sense of melancholy or introspection. The juxtaposition of the natural abundance represented by the flowers against the somewhat stoic demeanor of the figures introduces an intriguing tension into the work, prompting reflection on themes of beauty, mortality, and cultural identity.