An artwork on Galleree from The Art Institute of Chicago.
About the artwork
Te burao (The Hibiscus Tree)Paul Gauguin (French, 1848–1903)
1892
France
68 × 90.7 cm (26 3/4 × 35 11/16 in.)
Oil on cotton canvas
Joseph Winterbotham Collection
['Post-Impressionism']
['Century of Progress', 'weather/seasons', 'landscapes', 'water', "world's fairs", "Chicago World's Fairs"]
['oil on canvas', 'painting', 'european painting']
['oil paint (paint)']
Completed early in Paul Gauguin’s first Tahitian sojourn, this landscape shows the artist grappling with representing an unfamiliar environment. Rather than documenting botanical species scientifically, Gauguin focused on the artistic potential of their variegated colors, textures, and forms. The human figure in the distance and the dog roaming through fallen branches activate the landscape and establish a sense of scale.
| attributed to Art Institute of Chicago under CC-By license
In a tranquil moment during the zenith of a sun-drenched day in Tahiti, Paul Gauguin found himself at the edge of a vibrant landscape. This was not just any painting; it was an expression of his profound encounter with an unknown world, a canvas awakening under his brush. As he observed the lush surroundings, he was not merely documenting the flora in a clinical manner but rather embracing the pulsating life woven through the variegated colors and textures before him.
The hues danced under the golden sun, whispering the secrets of a land that thrived in luminosity. Gauguin stepped back to the embrace of his canvas, letting each stroke reflect the colourful symphony that played out in the foliage. Not only were the shapes of leaves and flowers important; it was the stories they told—the blend of blues and greens, the soft browns that cradled them—that ignited his creativity.
As he painted, a figure emerged in the distance, a silhouette framed against the tapestry of nature. The presence of this human form, a subtle hint of life, drew the viewer's eyes deeper into the scene. Nearby, a dog wandered curiously among the fallen branches, adding a sense of vitality and movement, grounding the majestic landscape in a palpable reality. It was no longer just an untouched paradise; it was a living, breathing world in which he was a part.
In this idyllic setting, Gauguin transformed not just the landscape before him but also his own understanding of art—a journey into the heart and soul of Tahiti captured in vivid colors that would echo far beyond his sojourn.
About the artist
Welcome to the Art Institute of Chicago, home to a collection of art that spans centuries and the globe—and one of Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best” US attractions of 2023. We look forward to your visit and invite you to explore our many exhibitions and to join us for one of our free daily tours in-person.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Institute's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 111 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL, USA 60603
The best place to view The Art Institute of Chicago‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.