Description
Paul Gauguin's painting Nativity (Te Tamari No Atua) is a masterpiece of modern art noted for its unique artistic style, intriguing composition, and vibrant use of color. With an original size of 96 x 128 cm, this painting represents the birth of Christ in a scene that combines Christian and Polynesian elements.
Gauguin's artistic style is characterized by his use of simplified forms and flat colours, giving the painting a primitive and timeless feel. The composition is interesting, with the main figure of the Virgin Mary in the center surrounded by Polynesian figures and exotic animals such as a dog and a rooster. The scene takes place in a tropical landscape with a river and a mountain in the background.
The use of color in Nativity is impressive, with bright, warm tones that evoke the beauty and exuberance of Polynesian nature. The intense red of Maria's tunic contrasts with the deep green of the foliage and the light blue of the sky. The use of bright, saturated colors is a distinctive feature of Gauguin's style.
The story behind the painting is equally fascinating. It was created in Tahiti in 1896, during Gauguin's second trip to the island. The painting was commissioned by the Bishop of the Diocese of Papeete for the Notre-Dame de Papeete Cathedral, but was never delivered due to the controversy surrounding Gauguin's interpretation of the Christian theme.
A little-known aspect of the painting is that Gauguin used local models to represent Biblical characters, giving the work a culturally relevant and authentic feel. The inclusion of Polynesian elements in the Christmas scene is also a reflection of Gauguin's fascination with the culture and nature of Tahiti.
In short, Paul Gauguin's Nativity painting is a masterpiece of modern art that blends Christian and Polynesian elements into an intriguing and vibrant composition. Its unique artistic style, its use of color and its fascinating history make it one of the most interesting and significant works of Gauguin's career.