Race to the market, Tahiti

About this work

This painting shows four people in two canoes, paddling on a calm sea. The canoes are filled with various fruits and vegetables. The people are dressed in simple, loose-fitting clothing. In the background, there are palm trees and mountains. The sky is blue with a few clouds. The people in the canoes seem to be in a hurry, as if they are racing to get to their destination. The fruits and vegetables in the canoes suggest that they may be on their way to market. The serene background contrasts with the sense of urgency in the foreground. To learn more about the artist's use of light and shadow, look up the technique of chiaroscuro.