An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Ia Orana Maria (Hail Mary)Paul Gauguin
French, Paris 1848–1903 Atuona, Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands
1891
44 3/4 x 34 1/2 in. (113.7 x 87.6 cm)
Painting
Oil on canvas
European Paintings
Bequest of Sam A. Lewisohn, 1951
In "Ia Orana Maria" (Hail Mary), Paul Gauguin captures a serene moment infused with spiritual significance. The warm, earthy tones and vibrant colors suggest a tranquil landscape, one that reflects the beauty of Tahitian life.
At the center, a woman holds a child, symbolizing motherhood and purity, while her gentle expression invites viewers into a sacred space. Surrounding her, two figures stand slightly apart, observing the scene, perhaps in contemplation or reverence. The lush foliage and the abundant fruits at the forefront signify nurturing and abundance, enhancing the theme of life and growth.
This artwork transcends mere representation. It speaks to Gauguin's search for deeper meaning, as he infused his experiences of Tahiti with religious symbolism. The juxtaposition of everyday life with divine reference asks the viewer to consider the connection between humanity and spirituality. In this way, "Ia Orana Maria" becomes not just a scene but a meditative invitation to reflect on faith, motherhood, and the richness of existence.
About the artist
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Met's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY, USA 10028
The best place to view The Metropolitan Museum of Art‘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.