Who painted Breton Women beside a Fence (Bretonnes à la barrière)?

Breton Women beside a Fence (Bretonnes à la barrière) was painted by Paul Gauguin in 1889.

Where can I see Breton Women beside a Fence (Bretonnes à la barrière)?

Breton Women beside a Fence (Bretonnes à la barrière) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Breton Women beside a Fence (Bretonnes à la barrière)?

Breton Women beside a Fence (Bretonnes à la barrière) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Breton Women beside a Fence (Bretonnes à la barrière)

Paul Gauguin , 1889

Breton Women beside a Fence (Bretonnes à la barrière) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin. It dates from 1889 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Breton Women beside a Fence is a 1889 lithograph on imitation Japan paper by Paul Gauguin, created using zinc as the printing plate.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts three Breton women in a rural landscape, standing near a fence. The women's simple, traditional clothing and the surrounding environment reflect Gauguin's interest in capturing the essence of rural life.

Technique & Style

Gauguin employed rough, expressive lines to convey a sense of spontaneity. The contrast between the dark figures of the women and the lighter background creates visual tension, highlighting the subjects.

Context

This work is part of Gauguin's exploration of printmaking and his development of a Synthetist style, characterized by simplified forms and bold contrasts, marking a departure from Impressionist naturalism.

Artist & collection

Artist

Paul Gauguin

Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin (; French: ; 7 June 1848 – 8 May 1903) was a French painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramist, and writer, whose work has been primarily associated with the Post-Impressionist and Symbolist movements.