Self portrait with palette (1894; Paris, France) by Paul Gauguin

Self portrait with palette - Paul Gauguin - 1894; Paris, France

Artwork Information

TitleSelf portrait with palette
ArtistPaul Gauguin
Date1894; Paris, France
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions92 x 73 cm
Art MovementPost-Impressionism
Current LocationPrivate Collection

About Self portrait with palette

The artwork “Self Portrait with Palette,” painted by Paul Gauguin in 1894, is an exemplary piece from the Post-Impressionist movement. Completed in Paris, this oil on canvas self-portrait measures 92 by 73 centimeters and is currently held in a private collection. The genre of the artwork is a self-portrait, which was a common practice among artists for self-study and exploration.

In the artwork, Gauguin depicts himself with a subdued palette of colors. He is dressed in a traditional artist’s smock, with a palette in his left hand, suggesting his occupation and identity as a painter. The brushstrokes are indicative of the Post-Impressionist style, where the emphasis is more on the expression and structure in the painting, rather than the fleeting effects of light and color as was the focus in Impressionism. The background is rendered in a bold red, providing a stark contrast to the blue of his attire and the muted tones of his skin. Gauguin’s gaze is directed outward, engaging the viewer with a direct and intense stare, reflective of the artist’s psychological state and emotional depth. Overall, the self-portrait offers an intimate glimpse into the artist’s persona and his approach to art during this period of his career.

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