Arlésiennes (Mistral)

The influential Post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin created Arlésiennes (Mistral) in 1888 during his critical sojourn in Arles, France. This painting, executed in oil on a rough jute canvas, exemplifies Gauguin’s decisive movement away from Impressionism and toward the stylistic principles of Synthetism. The use of jute, a coarse, visible fabric, was unconventional for the period, imparting a deliberately raw, textured quality to the surface that contrasts with the smooth finish preferred by academic artists.

The subject matter focuses on local women, known as Arlésiennes, bundled in cloaks, suggesting their defense against the powerful, cold Mistral wind common to the region. However, the emotional weight of the image transcends a simple genre depiction. Gauguin utilizes large, simplified forms, strong contours, and non-naturalistic, symbolic color to convey feeling rather than purely objective reality. This formal approach, characterized by flatness and decorative effect, became a hallmark of the Post-Impressionism movement.

Rather than concentrating on observed light and fleeting moments, Gauguin constructed the composition based on memory and emotional resonance, rejecting the optical fidelity of earlier 19th-century art. This piece represents a high point in Gauguin’s exploration of regional cultural identity and stylized portraiture within France before his permanent departure for the tropics.

The canvas is a significant holding in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a cornerstone example of late 19th-century French painting. While modern high-resolution images are often copyrighted by museums, the enduring appeal of this work ensures that high-quality prints remain widely available for art history study, reflecting the historical importance of the artist’s oeuvre.