The artwork “View of the beach at Bellangenay” is a pastel on paper landscape crafted by the artist Paul Gauguin in 1889, during his time in France. As a piece emblematic of the Post-Impressionism movement, it measures 31.3 by 43.2 centimeters and currently resides within a private collection. This striking work faithfully channels the distinctive stylistic elements synonymous with the era’s artistic exploration.
In the artwork, one observes an expansive view of a beach. The palette is rich with earthy colors and vibrant shades of blue and green, capturing the natural beauty of the coastal landscape. Gauguin has applied the pastel medium with varying pressure, resulting in a dynamic texture that conveys movement and liveliness within the scene. The foreground features rolling hills that gently slope downwards towards the sea, delineating the separation between land and water with bold color contrasts. Meanwhile, the sky is depicted with softer hues, suggesting an atmospheric distance and adding depth to the composition. This work shows Gauguin’s characteristic use of broad, flat areas of color and a departure from realistic representation, which foregrounds the emotive and expressive potential of the scene.
