The artwork “M. Loulou” is a distinguished oil on canvas painting by Paul Gauguin, completed in 1890. It is a portrait belonging to the Art Movement known as Cloisonnism, which is characterized by bold and flat forms separated by dark contours. This piece has dimensions of 55 x 46.2 cm. Currently, it is housed at the Barnes Foundation located in Philadelphia, PA, within the United States. Paul Gauguin created this artwork in France, and it stands as an exemplary work from this period of his artistic career.
In the artwork, the subject, identified as M. Loulou in Gauguin’s signed inscription, is seated against a vividly colored background which features abstract patterns and floral motifs. The artwork showcases Gauguin’s characteristic use of color and form with various shades of green, orange, and blue creating a dynamic composition. The figure of M. Loulou is centrally positioned, dressed in a dark garment with a large white ruffled collar, contrasting sharply with the brighter hues of the background. The figure’s hands are gently folded in her lap, and she gazes out at the viewer with a serene facial expression, offering a moment of calm amidst the painting’s rich visual tapestry. The face exhibits Gauguin’s unique style, with softened features and the usage of flat areas of color. The artwork encapsulates many of the defining elements of Gauguin’s mature style and Cloisonnist principles, including the expressive use of color and the stylized flatness that draws attention to the surface of the painting.
