The artwork “Still Life with a Fan” is a work by Paul Gauguin, created around 1889 in France. This oil on canvas piece exemplifies the Post-Impressionism movement and measures 50 x 61 cm. It portrays a still life genre and is housed at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
The artwork displays a composition rich with juxtaposed objects, reflecting Gauguin’s characteristic style within the Post-Impressionism movement. The foreground of the artwork features a collection of fruit arranged on a lightly draped cloth; lush green apples are prominently at the center, accompanied by smaller red fruits that contribute to the color harmony. To the left, a dark vessel adds depth and contrast. Additional fruits, perhaps lemons, add variance in shape and hue.
Dominating the background of the artwork is a fan, unfolded and presenting a pastoral scene with red flowering trees that echoes Asian influences, possibly reflecting Gauguin’s interest in exotic and non-Western art. The presence of the fan introduces a sense of global eclecticism. On the right, another vessel with an interesting texture and a twisting branch indicate Gauguin’s intention to challenge traditional perspectives on depth and form. The overall palette is controlled yet vibrant, and the bold outlines and flat areas of color are hallmarks of Gauguin’s departure from the naturalism of Impressionism towards a more symbolic representation of objects.
