The Siesta — History & Facts
In The Siesta, Paul Gauguin presents a tranquil scene filled with warm colors. The painting features two figures resting under a tree, embodying a sense of relaxation and peace. Gauguin uses a palette of yellows, greens, and browns to create a harmonious atmosphere.
The background suggests a lush landscape, typical of Gauguin's time in Tahiti. This artwork is an oil on canvas, showcasing Gauguin's distinctive brushwork and color choices. The dimensions are approximately 70 x 90 cm, making it a medium-sized piece. The figures are stylized, reflecting Gauguin's departure from realism towards a more symbolic representation.
The composition draws the viewer's eye to the serene interaction between the figures and their environment. Paul Gauguin painted The Siesta during his time in Tahiti, where he sought to escape European society. This work reflects his fascination with the simplicity of life and the beauty of the natural world. An interesting fact about this piece is that it exemplifies Gauguin's use of bold colors and simplified forms, which became hallmarks of his style.
The painting invites viewers to experience a moment of stillness and contemplation.
More Artworks by Paul Gauguin

Self Portrait
Paul Gauguin

Three Tahitian Women
Paul Gauguin

When Will You Marry?
Paul Gauguin

Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?
Paul Gauguin

Merahi metua no Tehamana
Paul Gauguin

Nave Nave Mahana
Paul Gauguin

Fatata te Miti (By the Sea)
Paul Gauguin

Three Tahitians
Paul Gauguin

Breton Girls Dancing,Pont-Aven
Paul Gauguin

Nave Nave Fenua
Paul Gauguin
More Genre Scene Art

Banquet of the Officers of the St George Civic Guard
Frans Hals

Rembrandt and Saskia in the Scene of the Prodigal Son
Rembrandt van Rijn

Bal du moulin de la Galette
Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Quadrille at the Moulin Rouge
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

A Burial at Ornans
Gustave Courbet

When Will You Marry?
Paul Gauguin
