Still Life with l'Esperance 1901

Paul Gauguin's "Still Life with l'Esperance" (1901) is a vibrant and complex still life painting featuring a vase of sunflowers, a bowl, and a small ceramic figure of a woman in a reclining pose. The sunflowers are depicted in various stages of bloom, with some facing the viewer while others are turned away. The bowl is brightly colored, adding a contrasting element to the predominantly warm tones of the painting. The image of the woman, "L'Esperance" (Hope), adds a symbolic layer to the work. It is unclear whether Gauguin is referencing the Christian virtue or a particular woman, but the figure is associated with life and hope. The painting's composition and use of color create a dynamic and engaging image, typical of Gauguin's Symbolist style.