This print shows an array of abstract shapes and lines on a textured background. Many forms resemble human figures, although many of their features are abstracted or exaggerated. One figure near the center has a skull-like face and is seated and with their head in their hands, looking out at us. Other shapes include a child seated on the ground on the left and a figure with long hair and wide eyes on the right, their hands clasped in prayer. In the upper half of the print, there is text in a swirling ribbon, as well as more stylized human faces, most depicted from the shoulders up. The background is filled with solid and patterned sections in shades of black, reddish-brown, and beige.
Read the visual description

This print shows an array of abstract shapes and lines on a textured background. Many forms resemble human figures, although many of their features are abstracted or exaggerated. One figure near the center has a skull-like face and is seated and with their head in their hands, looking out at us. Other shapes include a child seated on the ground on the left and a figure with long hair and wide eyes on the right, their hands clasped in prayer. In the upper half of the print, there is text in a swirling ribbon, as well as more stylized human faces, most depicted from the shoulders up. The background is filled with solid and patterned sections in shades of black, reddish-brown, and beige.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Be in Love and You will be Happy (Soyez amoureuses, vous serez heureuses)

Paul Gauguin

Date
1898-1899
Medium
woodcut in light brown and black on chine collé
Dimensions
image: 16 × 27.3 cm (6 5/16 × 10 3/4 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1950.16.71
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1876 to 1900
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • French
  • Seated figure
  • Woman
  • Baby
  • Post-Impressionist
  • Writing
Provenance

(Henri M. Petiet, Paris); sold May 15, 1950 to Lessing Julius Rosenwald, Jenkintown, Pennsylvania; gift to NGA 1950.

Marks

none

NGA object ID 39006. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.