Mandolin on a chair 1880

Paul Gauguin painted “Mandolin on a chair” at an unknown date, using oil on canvas. Gauguin lived in an era where Europe was imposing its cultural norms on other parts of the world. What you see here is a mandolin, which is closely associated with European folk culture, resting casually on a chair. As the European powers were eager to integrate other nations into their network of influence, Gauguin was one of many artists who traveled to other regions of the world to find inspiration. The decision to include a mandolin in the setting presents an interesting dialogue: is he suggesting that culture is something that one can simply pick up and set down? Or is he simply reflecting on the mixing of cultures that takes place during periods of colonialism? Ultimately, this composition invites a deeper consideration of how cultural artifacts become symbols of identity, and how artists navigate their roles within a globalized world.