Artwork
Tahitian Series: Worship
Tahitian Series: Worship is a print by the Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1929.878.6
- Credit line
- Dudley P. Allen Fund
About this work
Overview
Tahitian Series: Worship, created by Paul Gauguin in 1894, is a print reflecting his Post-Impressionist and Symbolist exploration of Tahitian life. Characterized by simplified forms and symbolic color, it diverges from naturalism and Impressionism.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene, ritualistic scene, possibly centered around a goddess figure with a headdress, surrounded by attendants in various poses. The composition conveys a sense of spiritual contemplation, capturing Gauguin's perception of a more authentic, non-Western way of life.
Technique & Style
Executed in bold lines and simple shapes, the work embodies Gauguin's Synthetist approach. The stark contrast between light and dark, despite being in black-and-white, enhances depth and elegance, underscoring his emphasis on expressive, non-naturalistic representation.
History & Provenance
Part of Gauguin's Tahitian Series from his 1894 works in Tahiti, this piece was created during his rejection of Impressionist techniques in favor of symbolic, bold-colored stylization.
Context
Reflecting Gauguin's fascination with non-Western cultures, Worship contrasts with contemporary European art, aligning with early 20th-century interests in primitive and exotic themes.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of this print are not highlighted, as part of Gauguin's oeuvre, it contributes to the broader influence of Post-Impressionism and Symbolism on modern art, inspiring future generations with its innovative style and thematic depth.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
