Tahitian Eve (related to the painting Parau ne te varua ino) (recto); Fragment of Inscription (related to Cahier pour Aline) (verso) 1891 - 1893

Paul Gauguin made this ink drawing, "Tahitian Eve," as part of his exploration of Polynesian culture in the late 19th century. Gauguin sought an escape from European civilization, yet his vision was filtered through a colonial lens. The figure of Eve evokes the biblical narrative of original sin, but here, she is reimagined as a Tahitian woman. We can ask ourselves, how does Gauguin's portrayal challenge or reinforce stereotypes about race, gender, and sexuality? His work romanticizes the exotic "other," while also reflecting the power dynamics inherent in cross-cultural encounters. The woman's gaze seems to suggest a degree of self-awareness, yet we must consider the artist's role in shaping her image and narrative. "Who can say where intuition ends and the promptings of the blood begin?" Gauguin once wrote. It invites us to reflect on how our own perceptions are shaped by history and identity.