The artwork entitled “Pond with Ducks (Girl Amusing Herself)” is a creation of the renowned artist Paul Gauguin, completed in 1881 in France. It is executed in oil on canvas and is a quintessential example of the Impressionism movement. As a genre painting, it conveys an everyday scene full of life and leisure, and this piece is held within a private collection.
In the artwork, one observes a serene and bucolic setting where a young girl is depicted amusing herself by a pond. The pond is populated with ducks, adding to the pastoral charm of the scene. The reflection of vegetation and the shimmering quality of the water surface are captured with a loose brushwork typically associated with the Impressionist style. The color palette is natural, with an array of greens dominating the composition, complemented by the earthy tones of the path and the girl’s attire. The spontaneous capture of light and shadow plays across the landscape and figures, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere that invites contemplation of a tranquil moment in time.