“Are You Jealous?” is an oil painting created by French artist Paul Gauguin in 1892, during his time in French Polynesia. Measuring 66 by 89 centimeters, it is part of the Cloisonnism art movement. The artwork portrays a nude genre and is currently housed at the Pushkin Museum in Moscow, Russia. The painting is characterized by bold outlines and flat areas of color, which are hallmarks of the Cloisonnism style.
The artwork depicts two Polynesian women in a tropical landscape. The central figure sits upright with her back slightly turned toward the viewer, calm and composed, with her arms crossed over her chest, covering it partially. Her gaze is directed off to the side, seemingly contemplative or perhaps in conversation with her companion. She dons a flower crown, adding to the exotic feel of the scene.
The figure behind her appears to be reclining, her body extending into the top right corner of the painting, with her head resting on her bent arm. The bold contours and relatively flat planes of color emphasize the figures and their surrounding environment, a technique typical of Gauguin’s post-impressionistic style. This approach reflects his departure from the realistic depiction of forms, conveying instead a more symbolic and emotive representation.
The background features an idyllic landscape: trees, a body of water, and pinkish terrain. The water is depicted in shades of blue and black, with reflections stylized in a manner consistent with the flatness of the overall composition. The tree in the upper right-hand side extends over the scene, its black silhouette contrasting against the vibrant colors of the sky and surroundings, adding depth to the painting.
The artwork embodies a sense of serenity with undercurrents of emotional complexity, inviting observers to ponder the narrative and emotions conveyed by the two figures. Gauguin’s use of color, shape, and symbolism speaks to the inner lives of his subjects and the allure of the exotic locale he embraced during his time in Polynesia.
