Self-Portrait (1893-1894) Paul Gauguin (1848-1903)

The composition presents a frontal portrait of a man set against a backdrop that includes another framed artwork. The subject is positioned centrally within the frame, his gaze directed towards the viewer with a directness that establishes immediate engagement. He wears a dark hat and a jacket, both rendered in broad strokes of muted color, suggesting an understated formality. A neatly trimmed mustache adds to this impression of deliberate presentation.
The artist’s handling of form is notable for its simplification; features are not meticulously detailed but rather suggested through planes of color and subtle shifts in tone. The face exhibits a certain angularity, with prominent cheekbones and a strong jawline, contributing to an overall sense of quiet intensity. The lighting appears diffused, eliminating harsh shadows and creating a somewhat flattened effect that emphasizes the two-dimensionality of the image.
Behind the subject, partially obscured by his shoulder, is another painting. This secondary artwork depicts figures in what seems to be a narrative scene – possibly mythological or biblical – rendered with similar stylistic choices as the portrait itself: simplified forms and a limited palette. The inclusion of this second work introduces a layer of complexity; it could signify the artist’s relationship to tradition, his artistic lineage, or perhaps even a commentary on the act of representation itself.
The color scheme is dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, greens – with touches of white and black providing contrast. The background appears dark and somewhat undefined, drawing attention to the figure in the foreground. This limited palette contributes to a sense of introspection and restraint.
Subtly, there’s an air of melancholy conveyed through the subjects expression and the muted color scheme. It is not overt sadness, but rather a quiet contemplation that suggests a complex inner life. The overall effect is one of dignified self-awareness, hinting at a man deeply engaged with his craft and acutely conscious of his place within artistic history.