Description
The work "Mrs. Roulin" of 1888, also known as "Madame Roulin", is a fascinating sample of Paul Gauguin's mastery, a painter whose color search and form consolidated him as a key figure of post -impressionism. This portraitist painting, which represents the wife of a close friend of the artist, the mailman Roulin, is a clear example of his distinctive style, marked by the synthesis of light and emotion through color.
As for its composition, the painting Present Madame Roulin in the center, using a vertical format that seizes the viewer's attention. His figure is dressed in a simple attire, but with a remarkable footprint of his dignity and strength, characteristic of the representation that Gauguin wanted to confer to his subject. The use of space is effective; The woman is surrounded by an extremely decorative background that could be interpreted as a fabric that suggests intimacy and warmth. This background, with patterns that evoke the rich textile tradition, adds an aesthetic dimension that complements the portrait, while introducing a symbolic element that evokes everyday life and the roots of Provencal culture.
The colors used in this work are especially significant. Gauguin opts for a vibrant palette, where yellow and green acids combine with darker tones, creating a contrast that highlights the figure of Madame Roulin. Its skin, of a soft dark tone, is illuminated in such a way that it seems to emanate life, while the use of blue and green in the background generates an almost dreamlike atmosphere. This chromatic choice not only highlights the figure of the woman, but also reflects Gauguin's interest in banishing the conventions of strict naturalism, instead seeking the expressiveness of color.
Another relevant aspect is Madame Roulin's facial representation. His serene and direct look seems to contemplate the viewer, establishing a connection that resonates with the emotional expression that Gauguin aspired to capture in his portraits. The simplicity of his hairstyle and his clothing are a testimony of the daily life of the figure, while his expression suggests a deeper narrative about the identity and role of women in the society of the time.
Gauguin, in this portrait, moves away from the conventions of the bourgeois portrait of the nineteenth century, choosing to approach the essence of its model through a more symbolic perspective. The work can be seen as a claim of personal and cultural identity, an interest that Gauguin would explore more thoroughly on his subsequent trip to Polynesia. The "Mrs. Roulin" offers us a look at the early stages of this search, where the intricate balance between the figure and the environment is central to the visual narrative of the work.
Thus, "Madame Roulin" is not just a portrait; It is an artistic document that captures the spirit of an era and the essence of its subject. Gauguin's ability to intertwine the human figure with the sensibilities of color and form reveals an emotional complexity that continues to resonate today. In this work, there is the germ of an artistic revolution that would question the limits of representation and challenge the contemporary perceptions of art.
KUADROS ©, a famous paint on your wall.
Hand-made oil painting reproductions, with the quality of professional artists and the distinctive seal of KUADROS ©.
Reproduction service paintings With a guarantee of satisfaction. If you are not completely satisfied with the replica of your painting, we refund your money 100%.