Gauguin – The Hermitage, St. Petersburg

The coarseness of the painted surface and the open weaved cloth it was painted on shocked me – I always imagined his paintings on fine flawless canvas. The rustic finish was reassuring – I’m glad I am not the only one who has had to compromise on materials due to the lack of funds.

If you compare the materials used during the Tahiti period and the Pont Aven period there is a clear indication of the availability of materials and (maybe) funds. The urge to create was not hindered by these factors, he still managed to ‘do it’.