Peasant Woman c. 1894

Paul Gauguin likely created this sketch of a peasant woman sometime near the turn of the century. Gauguin’s portraits of Breton women offer a glimpse into the lives of those living in rural France, while also presenting a window into Gauguin's own artistic and personal journey. Gauguin often sought out what he perceived as 'untouched' cultures, believing they held a key to a more authentic way of life. This interest reflects the broader colonial attitudes of the time, where European artists and intellectuals exoticized non-Western societies. In this light, how might we perceive this woman’s steady gaze? The pastel medium lends the piece an immediacy, as if capturing a fleeting moment. It’s a portrait of a woman, but also of a time, imbued with Gauguin’s own search for meaning. It prompts us to consider the complexities of cultural exchange and representation.