The artwork titled “Noa Noa Suite: Delightful Land” was created by artist Paul Gauguin around 1893 in Paris, France. This piece is part of a woodcut on paper series and is an example of the Post-Impressionism art movement. The artwork measures 47.6 x 27.2 centimeters and falls within the genre of literary painting.
The artwork captures a vivid and somewhat mystical scene, representative of Gauguin’s experiences in Tahiti. Clearly defined by the woodcut technique, it features a central figure, which appears to be a local woman standing amidst a tropical setting. She is positioned in front of a large, darkly outlined tree that dominates the background, with its foliage creating a dynamic texture. To the left, there is a prominent border adorned with symbols and patterns that may have cultural significance and contribute to the narrative aspect of the artwork. A sense of the exotic is conveyed through these motifs, as well as the presence of what seems to be a carved figure or idol. Brightness and darkness contrast strongly in this print, thanks to the woodcut’s inherent qualities of sharp delineation between light and shade. The composition is balanced yet dynamic, with decorative elements that draw the viewer’s eye across the various parts of the scene, effectively capturing the enigmatic allure of a land that fascinated Gauguin. The artwork possesses an almost dreamlike quality, typical of Gauguin’s exploration of the themes of mythology and the idyllic during his time in the South Pacific.
