Tahitian Girl in a Pink Pareu

Tahitian Girl in a Pink Pareu by Paul Gauguin French, 1848-1903, is a compelling work from the artist's mature Post-Impressionist period. Executed in 1894, this piece reflects Gauguin’s continued efforts to synthesize his European training with the perceived exoticism and spiritualism of the South Pacific, themes that defined his later career away from France.

The work is classified as a print, but employs the highly individualized technique of the watercolor monotype, created from a paper matrix applied to cream laid paper. This complex process allowed the artist to manipulate washes and lines in a fluid, painterly manner, yielding a unique, single impression rather than a mass-reproducible edition. The subject, a local Tahitian girl, is portrayed in a moment of repose, distinguished by the vibrant pink pareu that dominates the composition and contrasts with the deep colors of the background.

Gauguin’s preoccupation with conveying emotion and symbolic meaning through simplified forms and unnatural color palettes is clearly evident in this print. The technique itself speaks to his radical approach, pushing the boundaries of traditional printmaking methods. As an important example of the master’s output in the 1890s, this work resides within the extensive collections of the Art Institute of Chicago. Reproductions of this watercolor monotype, particularly those related to the artist's prints, often enter circulation as public domain material, ensuring the continuing study of Gauguin’s enduring legacy.