“Aube the Sculptor and His Son” is an oil on canvas artwork by Paul Gauguin, created in the year 1882 in Paris, France. This masterpiece, with its dimensions of 53 by 72 cm, is a portrait that falls under the Impressionist movement. The artwork is housed in the Petit Palais, Paris, France. It offers a glimpse into the personal world of the figures depicted, presumably an artist and his child.
The artwork consists of two distinct but related panels. On the left panel, a young boy is portrayed in profile, deeply engrossed in his activity, which appears to involve writing or drawing on a piece of paper. His concentration is palpable, as evidenced by his bowed head and the position of his arms, indicating a moment of quiet dedication to his task. The color palette in this section is dominated by soft, warm earth tones that suggest a comfortable and intimate setting.
On the right panel, an older male figure, presumably the boy’s father, is depicted in a three-quarter pose, looking directly out of the canvas. His expression is serene, embodying a sense of calm maturity. He is elegantly dressed in a suit with a distinctive yellow cravat, and his appearance is that of a gentleman of some standing. To his side, a still life arrangement with a partially visible sculpture adds further context to him being a sculptor, as indicated by the title of the artwork. The background in this side of the painting features cooler colors, predominantly blue, creating a contrast with the left panel’s warmer hues.
The overall composition and brushwork are in line with the traits of the Impressionist movement, focusing on the effects of light and color as well as the immediacy of the captured moment. The use of color, the depiction of the figures, and the dual portrait format all contribute to a narrative that urges the viewer to reflect on the relationship between the two individuals and the significance of art and creativity in their lives.
