The artwork “Young Breton Woman” is a portrait executed in oil on canvas by the renowned artist Paul Gauguin in the year 1889, during his time in France. This piece exemplifies the Cloisonnism art movement and measures 46 by 38 centimeters. Currently held within a private collection, this artwork features the distinct use of bold outlines and flat areas of color characteristic of Gauguin’s style.
In the artwork, one can observe the depiction of a young woman dressed in traditional Breton attire. Her somber expression and downcast eyes evoke a sense of introspection or melancholy. The figure is presented against a landscape, visible through a window or an opening behind her. This outdoor scene includes rolling fields, delineated with broad strokes of vibrant color, and hints at the rural environment of Brittany. Additionally, the use of color and pattern in the woman’s clothing, along with the contrast between the indoor figure and the outdoor setting, reflect the artist’s innovative approach to portraiture and composition. The presence of a sculptural figure in the background adds a subtle complexity to the scene. Overall, the artwork encapsulates Gauguin’s departure from naturalism towards a more symbolic and stylized representation of reality.
