Portrait of Meijer de Haan

The Portrait of Meijer de Haan is a pivotal work created by Paul Gauguin in 1889. Executed in oil on wood, the choice of support allowed Gauguin to achieve the flat, non-illusionistic fields of color characteristic of his Synthetist style. Painted during his crucial stay in Brittany, this work encapsulates the dramatic stylistic shift away from Impressionism that defined the final decade of the artist’s career.

The sitter, Meijer de Haan, was a Dutch painter and financial supporter who collaborated with Gauguin at the artist’s commune in Le Pouldu. Rather than striving for photographic accuracy, Gauguin employs heavy, dark outlines and bold, simplified forms, a method known as Cloisonnism. The resulting composition emphasizes structure and emotional expression over realistic detail, making the piece a core example of French Symbolist painting. The vivid, sometimes jarring juxtaposition of colors and the figure’s intensely reflective pose highlight Gauguin’s psychological interpretation of his companion.

This work from 1889 is crucial for understanding the transition to Modernism, showcasing the radical approaches to color and form that would define the period. Gauguin’s influence was far-reaching, establishing him as one of the most important French contributors to Post-Impressionism. The finished piece stands as a powerful demonstration of the artist’s mature technique. This iconic painting currently resides within the distinguished collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. While the original remains protected, the widespread dissemination of art history ensures that high-quality prints and educational references relating to this vital period remain accessible, often entering the public domain.