The Offering 1902

"The Offering" is a 1902 oil painting by Paul Gauguin, depicting two Tahitian women, one offering a garland of flowers to the other who is breastfeeding a child. This artwork is a prime example of Gauguin's fascination with the people and culture of Tahiti, where he lived from 1891 until his death in 1903. Characterized by vibrant colors, simplified forms, and a focus on the natural world, the painting reflects the artistic movement of Synthetism, emphasizing symbolic expression over naturalistic representation. The painting, now housed at the E.G. Bührle Foundation in Zürich, Switzerland, is a significant piece in Gauguin's oeuvre and serves as a window into his artistic journey and the cultural context of his time.