The artwork “Two women (Flowered hair)” is an oil on canvas painting by French artist Paul Gauguin created in 1902 during his time in French Polynesia. It exemplifies the Cloisonnism art movement and measures 74 x 64 cm. This portrait genre piece is part of a private collection. The artwork features two women in an intimate setting.
In the artwork, one observes two women in a domestic scene rich in color and symbolic content. The woman in the foreground is depicted with her back to the viewer, her skin rendered in warm amber tones, and her hair adorned with flowers. She appears thoughtful or contemplative, with closed eyes and a peaceful expression. The second woman, behind the first, gazes out towards the viewer from over the shoulder of the woman in front. Both figures exude a serene and enigmatic aura, characteristic of Gauguin’s works from this period.
The background is divided into distinct sections, showcasing Gauguin’s affinity for bold outlines and flat areas of color. To the left, one can perceive an outdoor scene with a rider on horseback, while to the right, in contrast, is a mysterious figure that seems to be carved or sculpted, adding to the exotic ambiance. A vibrant red creature, possibly a dog, is situated in the center, providing an additional layer of symbolism and depth to the composition. The patchwork of vibrant colors and simplified forms is indicative of the Cloisonnism style, in which Gauguin was a pivotal figure, moving away from naturalistic representation and towards a more stylized and symbolic visual language.
