Emil Gauguin as a Child, Right Hand Forward
1876
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1876
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Paul Gauguin painted his uncle Emil as a boy, about eight years old. The boy stands on a wooden floor, right hand forward like he’s shaking yours. His dark suit and white shirt fill the frame—no background, no extra details. The plain background makes the boy stand out. His serious face and stiff pose feel older than his years. Gauguin painted this early in his career, before his bright Tahitian colors. Look up the boy’s right hand. Search “Paul Gauguin (French, 1848–1903)” to see more portraits by him.
