“Portrait of a Woman, with Still Life by Cezanne” is an oil on canvas painting created by the artist Paul Gauguin in 1890. The artwork, measuring 65 x 55 cm, exemplifies the Post-Impressionism movement and falls within the genre of portraiture. Presently, the artwork is housed at the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, IL, United States. Gauguin crafted this piece while he was in France, combining the representation of a woman with elements of still life, specifically a painting by Cezanne.
The artwork portrays a woman seated in an interior space. Her pose is dignified and reserved, with her hands resting gently in her lap, suggesting a moment of introspection or stillness. She is adorned in attire reflective of the period, with a white blouse and a dark skirt cinched at the waist with a belt. The color palette comprises both muted tones and more vivid accents, contributing to the depth and complexity of the scene.
In the background, a contrast is introduced with a still life painting, inadequately attributed to Cezanne, that adds an additional layer of artistic dialogue to the work. The inclusion of another artist’s painting within the portrait creates a multifaceted composition that bridges different styles and creative expressions. The brushwork is loose and expressive, a hallmark of Gauguin’s style, which favors emotional impact over strict realism. Overall, the fusion of portraiture with the homage to Cezanne’s still life generates a thoughtful conversation between the subject, the artwork within the artwork, and the viewer.
