Paul Gauguin – The Siesta Metropolitan Museum: part 2

The composition presents a scene of repose and domesticity set within a lush, tropical environment. A wooden platform dominates the foreground, serving as the stage for several figures engaged in quiet activities. The palette is characterized by warm tones – ochres, yellows, and reds – that evoke a sense of heat and languor.
A central figure, a young woman adorned with a wide-brimmed hat, occupies a prominent position near the viewers perspective. Her posture suggests an active engagement with her surroundings; she appears to be looking out towards the landscape beyond the platform. The details of her attire – a patterned blouse and dark skirt embellished with decorative motifs – indicate a blend of local tradition and perhaps, external influence.
To her left, another young woman is seated, absorbed in what seems to be reading or writing. Her posture is more withdrawn, contributing to the overall atmosphere of quiet contemplation. Further back on the platform, a third figure reclines, seemingly asleep, draped in an orange garment that contrasts with the cooler tones of the surrounding environment. This individual’s relaxed pose reinforces the theme of rest and tranquility.
The background reveals a verdant landscape – a sloping hillside dotted with vegetation and culminating in a bright sky. A distant structure, possibly a dwelling or another platform, is visible on the hill, adding depth to the scene. The simplification of forms and the flattening of perspective contribute to an impression of stylized representation rather than strict realism.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of leisure, femininity, and cultural interaction. The women’s activities – reading, resting, observing – suggest a life unburdened by strenuous labor or societal demands. The presence of traditional attire alongside elements that might indicate external influence hints at a complex interplay between local customs and broader cultural exchanges. The overall effect is one of idyllic serenity, tinged with an underlying sense of melancholy or perhaps, the artist’s own longing for escape from the complexities of Western civilization.