The artwork “Schuffenecker Family” was created by the illustrious artist Paul Gauguin in the year 1889 in France. This portrait, executed in oil on canvas, is an exemplar of the Cloisonnism art movement, and it measures 73 x 92 cm. Currently, this poignant piece graces the collection of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
The artwork presents a domestic scene featuring the Schuffenecker family, captured with the distinct bold outlines and blocks of evocative color that are characteristic of Cloisonnism. A male figure is depicted standing on the left, his hands clasped together and a contemplative expression on his face, suggesting a certain inward reflection or concern. To the right, a female figure sits with an air of resignation or fatigue, looking downward, a child beside her who appears to be embracing or leaning into her. The solidity of the forms and the contrast between the vibrant reds of the child’s attire and the more subdued tones of the surroundings, combined with the flattened perspective, impart a sense of composed yet solemn intimacy to the scene. The background reveals a window view onto an urban landscape, which in conjunction with the interior setting, provides a narrative context for the figures within.
