Geese on the farm 1879

Paul Gauguin’s painting ‘Geese on the Farm’ employs oil paints, applied with loose brushwork, to evoke the textures and atmosphere of rural life. Gauguin’s engagement with the material qualities of oil paint plays a crucial role in shaping the artwork's appearance. The way Gauguin handles the paint, using visible brushstrokes and layering of colors, creates a sense of depth and movement. The colors are rich and earthy. Notice the rough texture of the stone wall, the softness of the foliage, and the play of light on the geese. Gauguin's choice of subject matter is significant, he turned his attention to the everyday scenes of rural life, portraying the simple beauty of the natural world. In doing so, he elevates the value of these quotidian scenes, inviting viewers to appreciate the dignity of labor and the inherent worth of rural existence. The act of painting itself, with its emphasis on skill, labor, and material transformation, becomes a means of celebrating the value of manual work and craftsmanship.