Maternity II
- Original dimensions
- 61 x 94.6 cm
- Museum
- Not specified
- Year
- 1899
Scene depicted
In this canvas , Paul Gauguin immerses us in the intimacy of a moment shared between a mother and her child. The scene tenderly depicts the sacred bond that unites the two protagonists, illustrated by stylized forms and vibrant colors. Every detail of this composition reveals the depth of universal tenderness, confronting the viewer with the simple beauty of life together.
Historical context
Created in 1899, at the heart of a bygone era where impressionism gave way to a search for introspection and authenticity, the painting Maternity II is part of the post-impressionist movement. Paul Gauguin , then settled in Pont-Aven in Brittany, absorbs the nuances of local life, translating all of this into his emblematic painting. Although the current museum of this work remains unspecified, its dimensions of 61 x 94.6 cm elegantly capture the depth of its subject.
Place in the artist's career
Maternity II represents a crucial period in Gauguin's career. This painting resonates with works such as Vision after the Sermon and The Yellow Christ , where the artist expresses his need to bring out emotion beyond realism . He refines his technique, blending bold colors and simplified forms to create a new understanding of the everyday.
Anecdote
“Solitude is often a source of peace,” Gauguin might have whispered while contemplating the scene he chose to paint. In a quiet corner, scented by the flowers of the Breton region, the artist allows himself to be immersed in the authenticity of human emotions, capturing the essence of motherhood with unparalleled tenderness in this masterpiece .