The artwork “At the Black Rocks” was created by the artist Paul Gauguin in the year 1889, during his time in France. This piece is crafted using mediums such as gouache, ink, and watercolor on paper. It measures 24.2 x 40.9 cm and is categorized within the marina genre. Embodying elements of the Japonism art movement, the artwork is currently housed within a private collection.
The composition of the artwork features a vibrant coastal scene dominated by a swirling, expressive sea in shades of blue and white, contrasted sharply against the black silhouettes of craggy rocks. The sky above is rendered with soft, flowing clouds in muted tones providing a dynamic backdrop. The use of bold outlines and flat areas of color reflects the influence of Japanese prints, a hallmark of Japonism. This scene evokes the power of the natural world, highlighting Gauguin’s fascination with the raw beauty of the landscapes before him. The tumultuous sea swirls energetically, suggesting movement and the relentless force of nature, while the dark rocks stand stoically, suggesting permanence and resilience in the face of the ocean’s power.
