The artwork “Captain Jacob” is a portrait created by the artist Paul Gauguin in the year 1888 while in France. Executed in oil on canvas, it exemplifies the Cloisonnism style, a movement known for using bold and flat forms separated by dark contours. This piece is currently held in a private collection.
Upon examination of the artwork, one observes a profile portrait of a man captured with distinctive brushstrokes and a limited, yet expressive, color palette. The subject, presumably Captain Jacob, is pictured in a side view, looking to the right side of the canvas. Gauguin’s signature can be discerned in the upper left corner, integrating seamlessly with the bold blues of the background. The brushwork is short and deliberate, contributing to the textural quality of the man’s yellow garment and the surrounding environment. Despite the subdued expression on the subject’s face, the vibrancy of colors and Gauguin’s characteristic handling of form communicate a sense of palpable presence and emotion, inviting contemplation regarding the identity and character of Captain Jacob.
