Artwork
Noa Noa (Fragrant, Fragrant)
Noa Noa (Fragrant, Fragrant) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1894, this woodcut by Paul Gauguin depicts a solitary figure on a rocky shoreline, looking toward water while holding a spear. A woman and a dog appear in the distance, framed by trees and hills. Above the central figure, the words “Noa Noa” are rendered in bold lettering within a decorative cloud‑like shape, lending the composition a calm, contemplative tone.
Subject & Meaning
The title, “Noa Noa,” a Tahitian phrase meaning “fragrant,” adds an exotic, sensory layer that aligns with Gauguin’s interest in Polynesian themes.
The scene presents a man in a wide‑brimmed hat, sleeveless shirt and shorts, poised on the coast, suggesting a moment of pause or observation. The presence of the spear hints at a hunting or ritual context, while the distant woman and dog introduce a domestic element. The title, “Noa Noa,” a Tahitian phrase meaning “fragrant,” adds an exotic, sensory layer that aligns with Gauguin’s interest in Polynesian themes.
Technique & Style
Executed as a woodcut on China paper, the work showcases Gauguin’s exploration of printmaking during the 1890s. The carving yields bold outlines and flat areas of tone, characteristic of his Synthetist approach, where color and form are simplified to convey mood. Decorative motifs surrounding the title illustrate his Symbolist inclination toward ornamental detail within a narrative scene.
History & Provenance
The print belongs to the period when Gauguin, already known for his paintings, turned to wood engraving and woodcut as complementary media. Produced in the same year as his Tahitian travels, the piece reflects his ongoing fascination with the islands’ culture. It has since entered public collections, illustrating the artist’s broader engagement with print techniques alongside his painting and writing.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
Nave Nave Fenua (Delightful Land)
Tahitian Series: Land of Delights
Female Nude
Street Scene after the Rain (Straßenszene, Nach dem Regen)
The Gull Hunter
Port Scene (Hafenbild)
Orestes and Pylades
Noa Noa: L'Univers est créé (The Universe is Created)
Woman Picking Fruit and the Savage (Femme cueillant des fruits et oviri)