img178 Paul Gauguin (1848-1903)

Description of Paul Gauguin’s painting "The Yellow Christ"

It is not difficult to guess that the painting "The Yellow Christ" holds religious overtones. However, the public and critics alike are divided on whether it was a challenge to the clergy and the Christian world at large or a desperate call to throw off the veil of indifference.

Central to the composition is the traditional subject of the crucified Christ. Jesus is surrounded by Breton landscape and peasants. No one else seems to notice the suffering of the Son of God, his torments and the sacrifice made for the salvation of mankind. People are indifferent, going about their daily business.

The effect of indifference only enhances the unusual color scheme. The main role in the coloring is given to bright yellow shades. This is the boundless sunny fields and - oddly enough - Jesus himself. Such a technique blurs the "boundaries" between the protagonist of the picture and the background.

While the canvas should clearly demonstrate the inadequacy of the characters, the author deliberately emphasizes the aloofness of the people. It is as if Christ remains invisible, he is not given importance at all, and life goes on as usual.

It is also interesting that the color yellow is a frequent symbol of wisdom of spirit, holiness and divine blessing. It resembles the frozen light of the sun, which warms and gives life. This interpretation creates an additional conflict with the plot of the picture, causes bewilderment and makes you think.

Works on the theme of religion and faith are not a frequent phenomenon for Gauguin. But obviously, when the author takes on such a canvas, he has something to say. The artist uses unconventional techniques, innovation and symbolism. Such an approach can’t help but provoke a backlash. Isn’t that the main goal of art - to convey your thoughts and experiences, to bring them to people and try at least a little to change the world for the better?