inspired by The Siesta by Paul Gauguin
Enjoy the Impressionsof a tropical gateway. Close your eyes and travel to lands of sun-kissed mandarin, bergamot and sweet-floral neroli. Identify subtle notes of heady orange blossom, sensual jasmine and delicate heliotrope. Take comfort in the delicious accents of mellow musk and delightful honey.
1892–94, oil on canvas
Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC
This piece was painted during Gauguin’s first extended trip to the island of Tahiti. Gauguin was immediately impressed by the guileless grace and communal ease of Tahitian women, making them the subject of many of his paintings. His best artworks, including Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?, were created on that island.
French Post-Impressionist artist. Although Gauguin was initially interested in painting as an amateur hobby, with time, this interest became a lifelong passion. Numerous travels had a significant impact on his work. His art inspired the French avant-garde movement and many of his contemporaries, such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.
