The artwork “Tahitian Woman” is a creation of the esteemed artist Paul Gauguin from the year 1899, crafted during his time in French Polynesia. This piece exemplifies the Post-Impressionism art movement and falls under the genre of portrait. Gauguin employed pastel on paper as his medium for this work, which now resides at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City, NY, US.
This portrait depicts a Tahitian woman set against a vividly colored background that compliments and contrasts her figure. The artwork is characterized by the use of strong outlines and bold color choices that are typical of Gauguin’s style during his period in Tahiti. The woman is observed with a contemplative or serene expression, her gaze directed away from the viewer, imparting a sense of tranquility or perhaps introspection. The use of warm hues, a frequent characteristic in Gauguin’s palette, reflects the tropical climate and rich cultural environment of the region. Her attire is simplistic and hints at the traditional garments worn in this locale, which may signify Gauguin’s interest in portraying indigenous culture and lifestyle. A flower adorns her hair, adding a natural element to the composition that resonates with the themes of harmony with nature often found in Gauguin’s work. The artwork not only captures the physical likeness of the subject but also evokes the essence of Tahitian life and the broader themes of exoticism and escape from the European civilization that fascinated Gauguin and his contemporaries.
