Gauguin Self-Portrait, 1889, Grafika 2000 pieces

Oil painting of a man with a mustache, halo, and snake, with apples hanging above him, in post-impressionist style.

This oil painting depicts a stylized, semi-profile portrait of a man with dark hair and a prominent mustache. He is positioned in the center, looking slightly downward with a solemn expression. A thin, circular halo floats above his head, and two apples—one green and one red—hang on a branch from the upper right, contributing to a symbolic or religious atmosphere.

The composition uses bold, flat areas of primary and secondary colours, typical of the Post-Impressionist movement. The background is divided horizontally between a vibrant, solid orange upper section and a bright yellow lower section. In the foreground, stylized, looping dark green plant stems or vines snake around the man, with one end held loosely in his hand. The figure wears a yellow garment that blends into the background, emphasizing the flat, decorative quality of the design.

The artwork is rendered with thick, visible brushstrokes and simplified forms, creating a dreamlike or allegorical mood. The lighting is non-naturalistic, highlighting the graphic interplay of shapes and hues rather than realistic depth. This iconic image, rich in symbolic references, conveys a mysterious and contemplative narrative through its unconventional perspective and intense colour palette.

A post-impressionist self-portrait with a man, a snake, and apples against a bright red and yellow background.

This painting features a stylized, close-up self-portrait of a man with dark hair, a prominent mustache, and a pensive, downwards gaze. Above his head floats a faint, golden halo. A gnarled tree branch hangs into the upper right corner, bearing two apples, one green and one reddish-brown, which add a symbolic, organic element to the composition.

The foreground is dominated by a sinuous, dark blue snake that winds around the figure's shoulder and is held by a hand in the lower right corner. The man wears a bright yellow garment that contrasts sharply with the deep, saturated red of the upper background. The flat, bold blocks of color and lack of traditional depth create an iconic, graphic quality.

The mood is enigmatic and heavy with religious or mythological symbolism, leaning into a deliberate, non-naturalistic style. The application of paint is visible but smooth, characterized by thick, simplified forms and an expressive use of primary colors. In the lower-left corner, the year 1889 and the initials "PG" are inscribed, marking the work's creation within a significant period of the artist's life.