Question

What are the characteristics of the painting 'Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?' by Paul Gauguin?

1) Large size with vibrant colors and painterly brushwork
2) Depiction of a Tahitian landscape with enigmatic figures
3) Figures dressed in non-western clothing
4) Depicts the cycle of life from birth to death
5) Meant to be read from right to left, like an ancient biblical text

Answer 1

Paul Gauguin's 'Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?' is a vibrant, large-scale, and symbolically rich painting that exemplifies his post-impressionist style, with a narrative depicting the existential cycle of life, meant to be read from right to left.

Step-by-step explanation:

The painting 'Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?' by Paul Gauguin exhibits several distinctive characteristics:

• Large size with vibrant colors and painterly brushwork, demonstrating Gauguin's signature post-impressionist style.
• It features a depiction of a Tahitian landscape with enigmatic figures, combining Western art and Eastern elements to create a symbolic narrative.
• The figures are dressed in non-western clothing, highlighting Gauguin's interest in the 'primitive' and distancing from the civilized norms of European society of his time.
• This artwork depicts the cycle of life from birth to death, pondering the existential questions of human existence.
• Gauguin intended for the painting to be read from right to left, akin to an ancient biblical text, which encourages viewers to contemplate the flow of life stages.

Gauguin's work reflects his experiences and pursuits for spiritual truth beyond the confines of European society, embracing the culture of Tahiti where he settled during his later years.