Clay jug and irin mug 1880

Paul Gauguin created this still life of a clay jug and pewter mug using oil on canvas, though the specific date remains unknown. Gauguin, a Post-Impressionist artist, turned away from the academic art world of Paris, seeking a more authentic and "primitive" mode of expression. This painting, with its focus on simple, everyday objects, reflects Gauguin's interest in the art of the common person, a theme that runs throughout his work. Made in France, the painting reflects a time when artists were challenging the traditional hierarchy of subject matter, elevating the mundane to the level of art. By focusing on the humble vessels, Gauguin seems to critique the bourgeois values of the time, even though his own path towards ‘authenticity’ was financed by that same bourgeoisie. To understand Gauguin's work fully, we need to examine not only his biography, but also the social and cultural forces that shaped his artistic vision. Researching exhibition history, contemporary art criticism, and even the economic structures of the late 19th century can shed light on the complex meanings embedded in this seemingly simple still life.