Contes barbares (1902) by Paul Gauguin

Contes barbares - Paul Gauguin - 1902

Artwork Information

TitleContes barbares
ArtistPaul Gauguin
Date1902
MediumOil on Canvas
Dimensions130 x 91.5 cm
Art MovementPost-Impressionism
Current LocationFolkwang Museum, Essen, Germany
Location Created French Polynesia
Order a Custom Print of this Artwork!

About Contes barbares

Contes Barbares, also known as Barbarian Tales, was painted by Paul Gauguin in 1902. It is an oil on canvas painting that measures 130 x 89 cm and is currently housed in the Museum Folkwang, Essen. The painting depicts a man in a missionary dress crouching behind two figures who are barely clad. They are pictured in a post-lapsarian paradise that is rich with sensory information.

Gauguin’s painting draws inspiration from his Western past as well as his time spent in the South Seas. He attempted to reconcile the two in his paintings. The demonic persona in Contes Barbares is adapted from the 1889 Portrait of Meijer de Haan. The painting is an excellent representation of Gauguin’s work during his later years.

Overall, Contes Barbares is a fascinating work of art that showcases Gauguin’s unique artistic style. The painting is a testament to his ability to blend different cultural influences to create something truly special. It is no wonder that the painting is still celebrated today by art enthusiasts around the world.

Other Artwork from Paul Gauguin

More Post-Impressionism Artwork

Scroll to Top