Riders on the Beach is a painting by Paul Gauguin, executed in 1902 in Tahiti. The painting features five riders on horses, with two of them wearing hooded jackets and hiding their faces. Gauguin’s style in this painting seems to combine Impressionism and Cloisonnism, creating colorful shapes outlined in black.
The riders are seen moving parallel to the horizon, blocking the movement of the other riders and adding a mysterious element to the painting. In addition, the coloring of the beach is fascinating with shades of pink-purple dominating. Gauguin created his fantasy of Tahiti through his paintings and writings by merging European and ancient Tahitian traditions.
The theme of horse and riders is not new for Gauguin who was influenced by Parisian racing scenes from Degas. Furthermore, there may be a possibility that Teha’amana – Gauguin’s “native” wife whom he met when she was around 13 years old – featured in this painting. Today, reproduction prints of Riders on the Beach are available for those who want to own a piece that captures Gauguin’s creative style.
Overall, Riders on the Beach showcases Paul Gauguin’s unique artistic style that combines various techniques into one beautiful piece. Through its use of color and composition, it transports viewers into an exotic world where imagination meets reality.
