Head of a Tahitian Woman

Head of a Tahitian Woman is a compelling mixed-media work created by Paul Gauguin French, 1848-1903, between 1891 and 1893. This pivotal timeline coincides with the artist’s first voyage to the South Pacific, where he sought aesthetic inspiration and a rejection of European civilization. While sometimes categorized among Gauguin’s innovative prints, this specific work employs a complex technique combining draftsmanship and vibrant color applications. The piece was constructed using pen and brush and black ink, augmented by carefully applied green, blue, yellow, and white gouache. This rich color was placed over initial studies sketched in pen and brown ink and subtle touches of graphite on parchment, resulting in a highly individualized surface quality.

The piece functions as both an expressive portrait and a study of Polynesian identity, capturing Gauguin’s romanticized vision of the indigenous people he encountered. The simplified forms and strong outlines are indicative of Gauguin’s Symbolist style, prioritizing emotional resonance and decorative effect over photographic realism. The intense focus on the subject’s face reflects the artist's dedication to cataloging the features and customs of the culture he immersed himself in while representing France. This celebrated work, an essential record of the artist's Tahitian period, provides crucial insight into the development of Modernism and is preserved within the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.