Haymaking 1889

"Haymaking" (1889) by Paul Gauguin depicts a scene of rural labor, with figures in the foreground raking and gathering hay, while a man leads a horse and cart in the lower left corner. Gauguin's signature synthetic style, characterized by bold, flat colors and simplified forms, is evident in the depiction of the figures and landscape. The vibrant yellow of the hay and the rich greens of the foliage create a visually striking composition, highlighting the simple beauty of rural life. This painting, now in the Courtauld Institute of Art, London, exemplifies Gauguin's exploration of themes of nature, labor, and traditional Breton life.