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Buy Museum Art Reproductions The Loss of Virginity (also known as The Awakening of Spring), 1891 by Paul Gauguin (1848-1903, France) | ArtsDot.com

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The Loss of Virginity (also known as The Awakening of Spring)

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Paul Gauguin, a French post-impressionist artist, created The Loss of Virginity (also known as The Awakening of Spring) in 1891. This allegorical painting is an excellent example of Gauguin's unique style and his fascination with religious myths and superstitions.

Size, Media, and Location

This oil painting measures 73 x 92 cm (28.7 x 36.2 inches) and is currently located in a private collection. Gauguin painted it during his first Tahiti period, using vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes to create a captivating image.

Detailed Analysis

The painting depicts a Breton landscape with a naked young woman lying in the foreground. The fox behind her symbolizes lust in Hindu mythology, while the plucked flower in her hand represents her lost virginity. In the background, a wedding procession can be seen, emphasizing the theme of transition from innocence to experience. Gauguin's use of Synthetism style is evident in this painting. He simplified the forms and used flat areas of color to create a decorative effect. The contrast between the bright colors of the landscape and the muted tones of the figure adds depth and visual interest to the composition.

Paul Gauguin's Life and Art

Gauguin was born in Paris in 1848 and spent his early years traveling the world as a sailor and a stockbroker. He began painting in his late thirties, inspired by the works of impressionist artists such as Camille Pissarro and Paul Cézanne. In 1891, he traveled to Tahiti, where he found inspiration in the local culture and mythology. Gauguin's art is known for its bold colors, simplified forms, and exploration of primitivism. He sought to escape the constraints of Western civilization and find a more authentic way of life in the South Seas. His paintings often depict exotic landscapes, nude figures, and mythological themes.

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Paul Gauguin

**Early Life and the Emergence of a Visionary**

Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin, born in Paris, France in 1848, would later become a pivotal figure in the Post-Impressionist movement. His early life was marked by a brief stint as a stockbroker, but it wasn't long before he turned to painting full-time.

**Artistic Evolution and the Synthetist Style**

Gauguin's artistic choices, though largely unappreciated during his lifetime, have had a profound influence on the French avant-garde. His bold use of color and the adoption of the Synthetist style, which starkly diverged from Impressionism, set him apart. This innovative approach has been celebrated in works such as Arearea I (available for viewing on [https://WahooArt.com/@@/8XYQG6-Paul-Gauguin-Arearea-I](https://WahooArt.com/@@/8XYQG6-Paul-Gauguin-Arearea-I)), a testament to his unique vision.

**Legacy and Controversy**

Gauguin's influence on titans like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse is well-documented. However, his representations of Polynesian life and culture have sparked 21st-century scholarly debate and controversy. Despite this, Gauguin's artistic vision remains a dynamic force, continuing to provoke thought among audiences and critics alike.

**Key Works and Collections**

- M Loulou, Barnes foundation (55 x 46 cm, Post-Impressionism, [https://WahooArt.com/@@/9H5QGM-Paul-Gauguin-M-Loulou-Barnes-foundation](https://WahooArt.com/@@/9H5QGM-Paul-Gauguin-M-Loulou-Barnes-foundation)) - Peasant Woman and Cows in a Landscape (Cloisonnism, Oil On Canvas, [https://WahooArt.com/@@/8EWPDH-Paul-Gauguin-Peasant-Woman-and-Cows-in-a-Landscape](https://WahooArt.com/@@/8EWPDH-Paul-Gauguin-Peasant-Woman-and-Cows-in-a-Landscape))

**Conclusion**

Gauguin's legacy is a complex tapestry of innovation, influence, and controversy. As we reflect on his life and work, it becomes clear that his impact on the art world is multifaceted and enduring. For those seeking to delve deeper into Gauguin's enigmatic world, [https://WahooArt.com/@/Eugene-Henri-Paul-Gauguin](https://WahooArt.com/@/Eugene-Henri-Paul-Gauguin) offers a comprehensive overview of his life and works.

**Early Life and Influences**

Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin, a French painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramist, and writer, was born on June 7, 1848, in Paris. His family's tumultuous past, marked by the revolutionary year of 1848, significantly shaped his life. Gauguin's early years were spent in Peru, where he experienced a privileged childhood that left an indelible mark on him.

**Artistic Journey and Style**

Initially working as a stockbroker, Gauguin started painting in his spare time, fueled by visits to galleries and exhibitions. His acquaintance with Camille Pissarro, a leading Impressionist, introduced him to other artists and techniques. However, Gauguin soon developed his distinct style, characterized by a bolder use of color and less traditional subject matter.
  • Post-Impressionism: Gauguin's work diverged sharply from Impressionism, leading to the development of Synthetism. This style emphasized geometric forms, distorted for expressive effect, and used unnatural or modified colors.
  • The Talisman (Bois d'amour) (1888) is a notable example of Synthetist paintings, showcasing Gauguin's innovative use of color and form.
  • Gauguin's later years in Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands were marked by health issues and financial struggles, yet his art from this period, characterized by vivid colors and Symbolist themes, proved highly successful among European viewers.

**Legacy and Influence**

Gauguin's artistic vision remains influential, with a profound impact on the development of modern art. His emphasis on subjective expression and exploration of new techniques paved the way for movements like Fauvism, Cubism, and Abstract Expressionism.

**Museum Collections and Online Resources**

* Paul Gauguin: Still Life Fete Gloanec (Musée des Beaux-Arts, Orleans, France) * Wikipedia: Paul Gauguin * Postimpressionism Art Movement (WahooArt.com)

**Conclusion**

Gauguin's bold artistic choices, though largely unappreciated during his lifetime, have become a cornerstone of Post-Impressionism. His legacy continues to provoke thought and evoke strong responses among audiences and critics alike.
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