A Tahitian Woman with a Flower in Her Hair
Original title: A Tahitian Woman with a Flower in Her Hair
kurzbeschreibung
A Tahitian woman is shown in profile, her gaze directed to the left. Paul Gauguin made this sheet in 1891–92 using charcoal, pastel, red chalk, and wash. She wears a flower in her hair; her eyes are closed, and she seems entirely withdrawn into herself.
Description
The woman is depicted half-nude, with shoulders and breasts visible. Her long dark hair is combed back and falls over her back. One hand rests on her shoulder, the other is slightly raised. Pink and red areas in the background provide a soft contrast to the dark hair. Pastel and drawing media create varied textures and color transitions.
Context
Gauguin produced this sheet during his first stay in Tahiti (1891–1893). It belongs to a series of portraits of women from those years. In the South Seas he sought a supposedly primal way of life, which he idealized in his works. Who the sitter was cannot be stated with certainty.
Impact
The closed lids and calm posture convey a quiet, inward-looking mood. Warm tones of the background and soft pastel transitions feel balanced and sensual. The image emphasizes the beauty and serenity of the sitter.
Technique
Gauguin combines charcoal, pastel, red chalk, and wash on paper. This mixture allows both delicate lines and broad areas of color. The different materials create a lively surface that underscores the spontaneous character of the study.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)