Artwork

Parau No Te Varau Ino (left); Tahitian Legend (right)

Parau No Te Varau Ino (left); Tahitian Legend (right), by Paul Gauguin, ink, 1892
Parau No Te Varau Ino (left); Tahitian Legend (right), by Paul Gauguin, ink, 1892

Parau No Te Varau Ino (left); Tahitian Legend (right) is an ink drawing by the Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The paired drawings Parau No Te Varau Ino and Tahitian Legend, created circa 1892, showcase Paul Gauguin's experimentation with various mediums and techniques on J. Whatman paper.

Subject & Meaning

The two scenes depict distinct subjects: a standing woman on the left and a narrative scene involving a man and a woman on the right, drawing from local Tahitian legends and mythology.

Technique & Style

Gauguin employed a range of techniques, including pen and brown ink, gray wash, and black chalk, to achieve varied textures and expressive forms, characteristic of his Synthetist style and engagement with Post-Impressionist and Symbolist movements.

Context

Created during Gauguin's time in Tahiti, these drawings reflect his fascination with local subjects and legends, which became a central theme in his work.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Paul Gauguin

Artist

Paul Gauguin

Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin (; French:; 7 June 1848 – 8 May 1903) was a French painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramist, and writer, whose work has been primarily associated with the Post-Impressionist and Symbolist movements.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Parau No Te Varau Ino (left); Tahitian Legend (right)?

Parau No Te Varau Ino (left); Tahitian Legend (right) was painted by Paul Gauguin in 1892.

Where can I see Parau No Te Varau Ino (left); Tahitian Legend (right)?

Parau No Te Varau Ino (left); Tahitian Legend (right) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Parau No Te Varau Ino (left); Tahitian Legend (right)?

Parau No Te Varau Ino (left); Tahitian Legend (right) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Parau No Te Varau Ino (left); Tahitian Legend (right)?

Museum-quality prints of Parau No Te Varau Ino (left); Tahitian Legend (right) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.