“Boy by the Water” is an oil on canvas artwork created in 1885 by artist Paul Gauguin. This painting is characteristic of the Impressionism movement and is considered to be a landscape genre. Gauguin completed the work in Paris, France, and it is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork presents a serene landscape dominated by rich, lush vegetation, which gives the observer a sense of nature’s vivacity and organic growth. The textures and brushwork are indicative of the Impressionist style, characterized by quick, visible strokes that suggest the changing qualities of light and color rather than defining sharp outlines. There is a small body of water that meanders through the composition, reflecting the sky with soft dapples of light and color, which adds to the impression of a fleeting moment captured in time. On the right side of the composition stands a boy, observing the water or perhaps lost in a moment of contemplation. His inclusion in the scene adds a human element to the otherwise naturalistic setting, suggesting a narrative or a pause in action. The palette is rich with greens, yellows, and hints of blues, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that invites viewers to linger within the scene and experience the idyllic, tranquil environment that Gauguin has masterfully depicted.
