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Artwork

The Rider

Paul Gauguin , 1902

The Rider, by Paul Gauguin, gouache, 1902
The Rider, by Paul Gauguin, gouache, 1902

The Rider is a gouache print by Paul Gauguin. It dates from 1902 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Rider, created by Paul Gauguin around 1902, is a gouache monotype on laid paper, enhanced with gum or varnish. This print exemplifies Gauguin's Synthetist style, characterized by bold colors and simplified forms, marking a departure from Impressionist techniques.

Subject & Meaning

Depicting a horse and rider in mid-gallop, with the rider's back turned, the composition conveys a sense of dynamic movement. The rider's attire (long-sleeved shirt, pants, and hood/hat) and the earthy-toned background with blue and purple accents contribute to the piece's visual narrative, though the subject's identity and specific meaning remain ambiguous.

Technique & Style

Gauguin's use of gouache monotype, combined with gum or varnish on laid paper, achieves a textured, depth-rich effect. This experimental approach reflects his broader interest in printmaking techniques, including wood engraving and woodcuts, during his later career.

History & Provenance

Created in 1902, The Rider is part of Gauguin's later work, characterized by non-naturalistic compositions. Born in Paris in 1848, Gauguin's career was marked by explorations in Post-Impressionism and Symbolism, culminating in his distinctive Synthetist approach.

Context

Within the early 20th-century art landscape, The Rider sits alongside Gauguin's other experimental print works, showcasing his divergence from Impressionist norms towards more expressive, symbolic forms.

Legacy

The Rider contributes to Gauguin's legacy as a pioneer of Synthetism, influencing subsequent artistic movements with its bold, simplified aesthetic and innovative printmaking techniques.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Paul Gauguin

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.

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of National Gallery of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.