Self portrait, at work 1893

Paul Gauguin's "Self Portrait, at Work" (1893) depicts the artist from behind, captured in a moment of artistic creation. Gauguin, known for his bold colors and simplified forms, utilized watercolor on paper for this self-portrait, employing earthy tones and loose brushstrokes that give the artwork a sense of immediacy. The image, though unfinished, offers a glimpse into the artist's creative process. The inscription on the upper part of the page, "Ja Orana," a Tahitian phrase meaning "Greetings," suggests Gauguin's fascination with the Polynesian culture, a theme that permeated much of his artistic output.