“Three Tahitian Women” is an evocative painting by French post-Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin created in 1896. The artwork, completed during his time in French Polynesia, is rendered in oil on wood and measures 24.4 by 42.3 cm. As an exemplar of the Post-Impressionism movement, this portrait is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, NY, USA.
The artwork features three Tahitian women captured in a moment that conveys both serenity and intimacy. The figure on the left stands slightly apart from the other two, her gaze directed downwards, creating a contemplative atmosphere. She is adorned with a light blue garment that wraps around her waist. The two women on the right stand close together, their poses hinting at a shared secret or a private exchange. They both wear traditional red garments, and one seems to whisper in the ear of the other, whose eyes are demurely closed. The natural setting is delineated by bold, expressive brushstrokes, indicative of Gauguin’s post-Impressionist style, with tropical vegetation and a glimpse of water in the background enhancing the peaceful tableau. The use of vibrant color and the flattening of forms, characteristic of Gauguin’s approach to painting, evoke a simplified yet profound representation of the subjects and their environment.
