The Ham 1889

"The Ham" is a still life painting by Paul Gauguin, created in 1889, currently housed at the Philips Collection in Washington D.C. Gauguin's bold use of color, particularly the vibrant orange and yellow background, juxtaposed with the cooler tones of the ham and the glass of wine, highlights his mastery of the Synthetist style. This style emphasized simplified forms and bold colors, characteristic of Gauguin's artistic exploration of nature and the relationship between human and natural elements. The work, with its depiction of a simple meal, explores themes of sustenance and the relationship between man and the world around him, showcasing Gauguin's distinct artistic vision.