Artwork
Mlle S. Manthey
Mlle S. Manthey is an unspecified painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Kröller-Müller Museum. Created in 1892, *Mlle S.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1892, *Mlle S. Manthey* is a portrait painted by Paul Gauguin during the phase of his career commonly identified as Post‑Impressionist. The work is part of the collection of the Kröller‑Müller Museum and exemplifies Gauguin’s shift toward a more symbolic and stylized visual language.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas depicts a young woman with short, blond hair, dressed in a dark jacket and a scarf patterned in red and white. Her gaze meets the viewer directly, and a faint furrowing of the eyebrows hints at a restrained, contemplative mood. The neutral expression invites contemplation of the sitter’s inner life without overt narrative cues.
Technique & Style
Gauguin employs a Synthetist approach, flattening forms and emphasizing bold, non‑naturalistic color. Contrasting dark and light tones generate depth, while the background—a light blue field punctuated by darker blue and yellow marks—provides a simplified, decorative setting that reinforces the portrait’s formal harmony.
Context
At this point in his career, Gauguin was moving beyond the fleeting effects of Impressionism, exploring symbolic content and a more expressive palette. The portrait aligns with his broader practice, which also encompassed sculpture, printmaking, and ceramics, reflecting his interest in multiple media and a unified aesthetic vision.
History & Provenance
After its creation, the painting entered the collection of the Kröller‑Müller Museum, where it remains on display. The museum’s acquisition underscores the work’s relevance within Gauguin’s oeuvre and its representation of late‑19th‑century French avant‑garde painting.
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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.
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