“Houses in le Pouldu,” an artwork by Paul Gauguin, was created in 1890 during the artist’s time in France. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece exemplifies the Cloisonnism art movement, which Gauguin was notably associated with. Its genre is classified as cityscape and currently, the artwork belongs to a private collection, not on public display.
The artwork presents a vibrant yet somewhat muted scene consisting of rural buildings nestled among leafless trees. Gauguin’s use of color and form is indicative of his Cloisonnist style, characterized by bold outlines and flat areas of color. The earthy tones of the trees and foreground are contrasted sharply with the pronounced blue and red hues of the houses’ facades. This juxtaposition creates a tapestry-like effect, emphasizing the patterns and ornamentation of nature and the man-made structures.
The composition is divided into several layers, with the trees framing the houses and acting almost as a lattice through which one views the environment. Perspective is used in an unconventional manner, flattening the space and presenting multiple angles simultaneously. The presence of figures integrates human life into the rustic scene, suggesting a quiet narrative and a sense of daily activity in the rural French setting. Gauguin’s signature post-Impressionistic approach is evident in the broad, sweeping brushstrokes and the harmoniously discordant color palette, capturing the essence and rhythm of life in le Pouldu.
