The Guitar Player – Paul Gauguin Part 6 National Gallery UK

Here we observe a figure seated on a simple wooden stool, deeply engrossed in playing a guitar. The individual appears to be of Polynesian descent, with dark hair and facial features that suggest a connection to Pacific Islander heritage. He is clad in what seems to be a dark jacket over a vibrant orange garment, the contrast highlighting his posture and the act of musical creation. His bare feet rest casually on the floor, contributing to an overall sense of relaxed informality.
The artist has employed a flattened perspective, minimizing depth and emphasizing the two-dimensionality of the composition. The background is rendered in warm, earthy tones – ochre and yellow dominate – creating a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere that seems to envelop the figure. This lack of spatial clarity contributes to an impression of isolation or introspection.
The guitar itself becomes a focal point; its form is simplified, yet clearly recognizable as the instrument of his focus. The musician’s expression is difficult to discern precisely – it appears contemplative rather than overtly joyful or sorrowful. Theres a quiet intensity in his gaze, suggesting an internal world connected to the music he produces.
Floating above and behind the figure are indistinct shapes – organic forms that resemble shells or perhaps stylized foliage. These elements introduce a layer of ambiguity; they could be interpreted as symbolic representations of nature, spirituality, or even memories. Their ethereal quality further enhances the painting’s sense of mystery.
The work conveys an atmosphere of quiet contemplation and cultural immersion. The artist seems to have sought not merely to depict a man playing music, but to capture a moment of connection with a culture and a way of life distinct from his own. Theres a deliberate avoidance of narrative detail; the focus remains on the individual’s presence and the evocative power of the musical act within this simplified, symbolic environment.