Arlésiennes (Mistral)

Paul Gauguin's "Arlésiennes (Mistral)" from 1888 captures a moment from his time in Arles, France, a period marked by his intense collaboration and eventual falling out with Vincent van Gogh. This work, created during Gauguin's Post-Impressionist phase, showcases his evolving style, moving away from the pure Impressionism of his earlier career towards a more symbolic and Synthetist approach. While the exact subject matter of this piece isn't detailed, the title suggests a scene influenced by the strong mistral wind characteristic of the region, perhaps depicting the local women of Arles. Gauguin was known for his experimental use of color and distinct style, as evidenced by other works from this period and his later move to Tahiti, where he further developed his 'primitivism' and Symbolist themes. This painting offers a glimpse into his crucial transitional years before his departure for the South Seas, where he would create some of his most famous works like "Mahana no atua (Day of the God)" and "Merahi metua no Tehamana (Tehamana Has Many Parents or The Ancestors of Tehamana)", both of which are also held by the Art Institute of Chicago.