The Siesta, Paul Gauguin, ca. 1892-94
Paul Gauguin was a Post Impressionist artist. He was born in Paris in 1848. He began his journey in art as a stockbroker and started painting in his free time. According to Art Story, “Gauguin studied religious communities in rural Brittany and various landscapes in the Caribbean, while also educating himself in the latest French ideas on the subject of painting and color theory.” To break free from the norms of European art, Gauguin searched for motivation which took him to the Tahiti culture, where he painted a piece called The Siesta.
The Siesta has soft colors such as green and blue, and warm colors like yellow, orange, red and brown. In the background was cool colors. The lines in the painting are soft and curvy which figure the women’s bodies. The background was wavy lines to create a feeling of the air or wind blowing. Some of the shapes use for the painting are rectangles and circles. The rectangles were use on the platform and doorway and the circle was where the women’s face and the fruit in the bag. The texture was thick, heavy brushstrokes and smooth texture on the women’s skin. In the painting Gauguin give us prime example of the principles of arts. By carefully combining colorful emphasis, balancing the layout, and unity culture aspects to create a good painting piece.
Gauguin applies soft lines and basic shapes to create a relaxing atmosphere. Strong lines outline areas, while green and blue colors with warm touches encourage calmness and peace with nature. This piece impact my understanding because Gauguin was trying to get a peaceful atmosphere and showing his interest with the Tahitian culture.
There are several reasons why I chose the The Siesta piece, one being that the Tahitian culture was being representative and showing us the beauty of the island. Second was Gauguin use of colors and the brushstrokes. I find it interesting that this painting was a look at Gauguin’s thoughts and feelings. According to the Met Museum, “Gauguin decided to return to Tahiti permanently in 1895. He was suffering from syphilis by this time, yet between hospitalizations, he was able to paint his masterpiece.” This quote to me shows that Gauguin went beyond his personal hardship and struggles to capture the values of the Tahitian culture and build his name as a leading Post Impressionist.
