The artwork titled “Flowers of France” was created by artist Paul Gauguin in the year 1891 during his time in French Polynesia. The medium used is oil on canvas, and it measures 72 x 92 cm. Gauguin’s work is associated with the Cloisonnism movement, which is characterized by bold outlines and vibrant colors. This particular piece is a genre painting that presently resides at the Pushkin Museum in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork depicts a still life of flowers arranged in a vase on a table, accompanied by two figures. The vibrant flowers are rendered in a variety of warm shades, mainly oranges and yellows, against a contrasting backdrop of green and yellow, creating a lively and exotic atmosphere. Cloisonnist influences are evident in the use of thick black outlines that delineate the forms in the composition, imparting a sense of flatness and emphasizing the decorative qualities of the arrangement.
The two figures portrayed exhibit Gauguin’s distinct style with simplified, almost mask-like facial features and non-naturalistic coloration. Emotions are subtly conveyed through their expressions and postures, adding a layer of human narrative to the still life. Both figures seem disconnected from the vivid blossom display, suggesting an underlying complexity in the relationship between humans and the natural world, a theme often explored in Gauguin’s work. The overall composition integrates the rich symbolism of the natural elements with the human presence, capturing a moment that transcends the ordinary.
