The artwork entitled “Alone” was created by artist Paul Gauguin in 1893, during his time in French Polynesia. Gauguin, who was known for his contributions to the Post-Impressionist movement, utilized the techniques of Cloisonnism in this oil on canvas painting. The piece measures 50 by 73 cm and falls under the genre of portraiture. Currently, it is held in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a figure lying on the ground, resting on their side with their head propped up by their hand. The subject’s posture suggests a state of deep contemplation or solitude. Gauguin uses bold, flat areas of color, a characteristic of Cloisonnism, to compose the scene. The background features contrasting hues—a rich blue sky above a yellow field, with a hint of greenery visible in the distance. The figure is wearing a red garment with a white pattern, which drapes over their lower body and vividly stands out against the muted tones of the earth and sky. The figure’s skin is rendered in warm, earthy browns, highlighting the naturalistic themes Gauguin often explored in his works. The overall effect is one of introspection, as if the viewer is bearing witness to a private moment of reflection.
