The artwork “Women at the banks of river” by Paul Gauguin was created in 1892 during the artist’s time in French Polynesia. This oil on canvas painting is an exemplar of the Post-Impressionism movement, falling within the genre painting category. Currently, it resides in a private collection. This piece reflects Gauguin’s signature style that focuses on the simplicity of forms, the application of bold colors, and a departure from the realism that dominated the art of his era.
The painting presents a serene scene of leisure and everyday life with a backdrop that features the lush flora of French Polynesia. Several women are depicted engaging in various activities near the riverbank. In the foreground, one woman appears to be seated in the water, with her gaze directed outward, while another stands facing toward her, on the bank. The use of reflective colors in the water suggests the movement and the life-giving properties of the river. Further in the background, a group of women can be seen conversing and walking through the landscape, partially obscured by the tropical vegetation. The brushstrokes are loose and expressive, conveying the dynamic and vibrant atmosphere of the setting. The artwork captures not just the physical beauty of the place, but also the rhythm of life of its inhabitants, where nature and humans are intimately intertwined.
