M Loulou, 1890, 55 x 46.2 cm, Barnes foundation Paul Gauguin (1848-1903)

The painting presents a seated young girl within a stylized landscape. She occupies the central position, her gaze directed forward with a certain solemnity. The figure is rendered in simplified forms and bold colors, characteristic of late nineteenth-century artistic trends. Her dark hair falls around her face, framing features that are not meticulously detailed but rather suggested through broad planes of color. A white, ruffled collar contrasts sharply against the deep blue of her jacket, drawing attention to her upper torso. The jacket itself is adorned with floral patterns in shades of red and pink, adding a touch of decorative richness.
The girl sits upon what appears to be an upholstered chair or bench, its form similarly reduced to essential shapes and vibrant hues. Behind her, the background consists of a flat expanse of green punctuated by several spherical forms that resemble stylized trees or shrubs. These elements are rendered in muted tones, creating a sense of depth while maintaining the overall flatness of the composition. The sky above is an orange-yellow color, contributing to the painting’s unusual and somewhat dreamlike atmosphere.
The artists use of color is particularly noteworthy. The palette is not naturalistic; instead, colors are employed for their expressive potential rather than representational accuracy. This contributes to a sense of emotional intensity and symbolic meaning. The juxtaposition of cool blues and warm reds creates visual tension, while the overall flatness of the picture plane emphasizes the painting’s decorative qualities.
Subtleties within the work suggest possible interpretations beyond a simple portrait. The girls direct gaze, combined with her formal posture, conveys an impression of quiet dignity or perhaps even melancholy. The stylized landscape and unnatural colors contribute to a sense of detachment from reality, hinting at an interior world or psychological state. The spherical forms in the background could be interpreted as symbols of growth, potential, or even isolation. Ultimately, the painting invites contemplation on themes of childhood, identity, and the relationship between the individual and their environment, all conveyed through a distinctive visual language that prioritizes emotional expression over realistic depiction.