Arearea no Varua Ino (Words of the Devil) [recto]
1894
watercolor
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1894
watercolor
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This painting features a woman in a white top and blue skirt, sitting on the ground with her back to the viewer. She has dark hair and is looking to her right. In the background, there is a figure of a man with long hair, wearing only a loincloth. The colors used are muted, with shades of blue, brown, and green dominating the palette. The painting has a rough, unfinished quality to it, with visible brushstrokes and texture. The woman's face is not clearly defined, and the background is somewhat abstract. The overall effect is one of simplicity and intimacy. The painting's use of muted colors and simple composition creates a sense of calmness and serenity. The artist's use of watercolor and glazing techniques adds depth and texture to the painting. To learn more about the artist's use of these techniques, look up the artist Gauguin, Paul.