Description
The "portrait of a small child" by Paul Gauguin, painted in 1888, is a work that encapsulates both the essence of the artist and the innovative principles that marked the change in painting at the end of the 19th century. This portrait stands out both for its simplicity and the emotional depth that it manages to transmit through its composition and use of color. In oil on canvas, Gauguin presents a child on his back, whose face looks gently above the wide and vibrant, almost abstract background, which evokes the immediacy of a pure and clear emotion.
The child's figure is predominantly the focus of attention, captured with an innocent curiosity. Gauguin's decision to portray him on his back translates into an atmosphere of mystery; The spectator is invited to ask about the identity of the child and his world, a technique that offers an introspective connection with paint. This compositional choice, far from subtracting innocence to the portrait, adds an air of contemplation and isolation, suggesting a contrast between the simplicity of the child and the complexity of life that surrounds it.
The use of color in this work is particularly remarkable and reveals the evolution of Gauguin's style. The palette used is rich and vibrant, where the warm tones dominate the background, at the same time that form a halo around the child's figure. These colors, ranging from the luminous yellow to deep reds and blue, not only create a cozy atmosphere, but also reinforce the idea of a world full of sensations, experiences, and the kinderness of childhood. Gauguin, aligning with the post -impressionist tradition, moves away from the colors demanded by nature, preferring tones that express an interpretive and emotional reality.
Within the artistic context of the period, the "portrait of a small child" is within the framework of the new trends that challenged the academic conventions of European art. In the 80s of the 19th century, Gauguin began experimenting with a more symbolic and less representative approach in his work. This portrait reflects that path towards the search for a self -determinated artistic expression, where the artist consciously selects his palette and composition to evoke an emotional impact than a simple reflection of reality.
When observing this work, it is also relevant to point out that Gauguin had moved to Brittany shortly before performing it, a movement that would influence Latin in its style. The painting, typical of their interest in local traditions, captures not only the child, but the world where it lives, although the latter remains in a state of suggestion. The use of soft contours and the almost simplified general structure of the child contrast with the complexity of the fund, a movement that Gauguin would use more boldly in his subsequent works in Tahiti.
In conclusion, the "portrait of a small child" is a brilliant reflection of Gauguin's early job and a strong statement of his evolution towards an art that seeks beyond the merely visual. Here, the child figure becomes a symbol of purity and simplicity, echoing a world that became increasingly complex. This work, although often eclipsed by other more iconic works in Gauguin, deserve a detained study, as it embodies the transition to a modernity that tried to capture the essence of human experience through color and shape, leading us to a deeper reflection In our connection with art.
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