Paul Gauguin's iconic painting,
"Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?", is a seminal work in the Post-Impressionist style. Created in 1897 while Gauguin was living on the island of Tahiti, this masterpiece represents the artist's painted manifesto. The painting is housed in the
Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts.
Post-Impressionist Style and Significance
The painting is characterized by its vibrant palette with bold colors, primarily blues, yellows, and reds. Gauguin's use of color and Synthetist style diverged sharply from Impressionism, creating a unique visual language that continues to captivate art enthusiasts today. The scene depicts a tropical landscape filled with lush vegetation and various figures that appear to be native people.
Reading the Painting from Right to Left
The painting is to be read from right to left: from the sleeping infant—where we come from—to the standing figure in the center, symbolizing where we are now, and finally to the old woman on the left, representing where we are going. This narrative structure reflects Gauguin's contemplation of life and death.
- The painting's composition is a reflection of Gauguin's interest in primitive art and his desire to create a new aesthetic that rejected the conventions of Western art.
- The use of color, form, and subject matter in the painting showcases Gauguin's innovative style and technique.
- The painting is a significant work in Gauguin's oeuvre, showcasing his contribution to the Post-Impressionist movement.
Post-Impressionism was a predominantly French art movement that developed roughly between 1886 and 1905. To learn more about this movement, visit
Post-Impressionism Art Movement Introduction. For more information on
Paul Gauguin's works, refer to
Paul Gauguin.
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The painting "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?" is a testament to Gauguin's artistic genius and his contribution to the Post-Impressionist movement. To explore more of
Paul Gauguin's masterpieces and other famous artworks, visit
ArtsDot.com.