The artwork titled “Her Name is Vairaumati” was crafted by artist Paul Gauguin in 1892, during his time in French Polynesia. It is an oil on canvas creation, representative of the Post-Impressionism art movement. The dimensions of this genre painting are 91 by 68 centimeters. Currently, it is housed in the Pushkin Museum located in Moscow, Russia.
In the artwork, a Tahitian woman is depicted seated on the ground in profile. The composition presents a rich tapestry of vivid yet harmonious colors, reflecting Gauguin’s style of bold outlines and flat areas of color, characteristic of Post-Impressionism. In the background, an array of tropical foliage creates a sense of depth and dimension. The color palette is intense, with a dominance of greens, pinks, and blues, which suggest a lush, exotic location.
The seated figure is rendered with simplified, sculptural forms, a nod to the influence of non-Western art on Gauguin’s aesthetic. She appears contemplative or perhaps distant in her gaze, as if she is lost in thought or observing something beyond the frame. The figure’s traditional adornments and the pattern of her clothing indicate a cultural richness and the beauty of the natural environment surrounding her. There is script at the lower part of the artwork, possibly a signature or an inscription by Gauguin, which further personalizes the piece within its historical context. Additionally, a bowl of fruit at her feet accentuates the earthly abundance and simplicity of the life that Gauguin might have admired in French Polynesia. The juxtaposition of elements alludes to a narrative that captures both the essence of the sitter and the spirit of the place, which was so influential in Gauguin’s body of work.
