The artwork titled “Landscape” by Paul Gauguin was created in 1899, within the picturesque setting of Punaauia, French Polynesia. This oil on canvas measures 94 by 73 centimeters and is a prime example of the Post-Impressionism movement. Focusing on the landscape genre, the piece evokes the essence of the location and time period. Currently, it is housed in the Pushkin Museum in Moscow, Russia.
“Landscape” by Gauguin showcases a vibrant and expressive view of a Tahitian scene, embodying the artist’s inclination towards bold colors and strong, outlined forms that characterize his later works. In the foreground, one sees a horse and a figure in a bright dress, suggesting the daily life of the inhabitants, against a backdrop of lush tropical foliage and a thatched-roof dwelling. The sky is painted in variations of blue, creating a dreamlike canopy over the scene below. While Gauguin’s work deviated from naturalistic colors, favoring emotional or symbolic content, the composition maintains a harmonious blend of the exotic elements with the serene quality of rural life during that era. The broad brushstrokes and the juxtaposition of colors underscore the Post-Impressionist emphasis on the artist’s perception and mood as opposed to mere representation of the subject.
