The artwork entitled “Young woman at the window,” created by Paul Gauguin in 1888, is an oil on canvas portrait located in a private collection. A testament to the Post-Impressionism movement prevalent in France, the work characterizes the innovative approaches to color and form that marked the era.
In the artwork, the subject, a young woman, is rendered in a palette that is both muted and vibrant, reflecting Gauguin’s trademark use of color. She is situated indoors, near a window, with a view of the sea and sky visible in the background. The landscape outdoors is depicted with broad, expressive strokes that provide a stark contrast to the detailed representation of the woman’s facial features and clothing. The sea and sky blend with swirling patterns, suggesting a sense of movement that is juxtaposed against the woman’s static pose.
The woman gazes outside with a contemplative expression. Her attire, consisting of a patterned blouse with a red flower at her chest and a warm red headpiece, stands out against the cool tones of the seascape. The brushwork is loose and textured, creating a rich surface that invites the viewer’s eye to explore the interplay of light and shadow. All elements combined, Gauguin’s work captures a moment that feels both intimate and expansive, encouraging reflection on the inner world of the subject as much as the outer world she observes.
