“A little washerman” is a genre painting by Paul Gauguin, a renowned Post-Impressionist artist, completed in 1887 in France. The artwork is executed in oil on canvas and measures 32 by 45 centimeters. Reflecting the Post-Impressionist movement’s emphasis on color and brushstroke, this painting currently resides in a private collection.
The artwork depicts an intimate outdoor scene focused on a solitary figure engaged in the act of washing. The figure, donning a vibrant red garment that draws the eye, is positioned alongside what appears to be a waterway. Distinctive for its vivid yet earthy palette, the scene conveys a strong sense of daily life and labor. Gauguin’s use of color and form demonstrates a departure from the naturalism of impressionism towards a more symbolic representation of reality.
The surroundings are rendered with textured strokes of paint, with greens, browns, and blues dominating the landscape. The reflection of light appears to ripple through the water and across the ground, while dappled shadows hint at a sunlit setting. Two wooden tubs and other laundry items accentuate the occupation of the figure, while the background features foliage and architectural elements that suggest a rural or semi-rural environment, typical of genre paintings capturing the simpler tasks of everyday life. Gauguin’s style here resonates with characteristics of the Post-Impressionist movement, offering viewers a poignant glimpse into the world he observed.
