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The Wave - Paul Gauguin - Canvas Oil Painting is part of our hand painted oil painting collection from the Paul Gauguin Paintings selection. Each canvas is worked by a trained artist, then inspected before dispatch — a practical route to owning post-impressionist wall decor at a fraction of gallery pricing.
1888
Oil on canvas
23 3/4 x 28 5/8 in. (60.2 x 72.6 cm.)
Private collection.
“The Wave” is an evocative oil on canvas painting created by Paul Gauguin in 1888, during his time in Pont-Aven, France. This artwork exemplifies the Post-Impressionism movement, a genre which is characterized by a departure from the naturalism of Impressionists, toward a more abstracted style. Gauguin is known for his innovative use of color and symbolic content. The genre of the artwork is marina, and it currently resides within a private collection.
The artwork is a dynamic representation of the marine theme, capturing the movement and power of the sea. Gauguin’s use of swirling patterns and bold colors imbues the scene with a sense of life and energy. The central focus of the piece is the large, cresting wave dominating a good part of the canvas. The wave seems to convey both the beauty and formidable power of the sea, depicted with energetically applied brushstrokes. The contrast between the dark rocks, possibly the coastline, and the luminous foamy water highlights the intense interplay of elements that Gauguin sought to depict. Parts of the water are rendered in greenish shades, while the wave itself is a vivid mix of white, yellow, and blue, demonstrating the artist’s departure from realistic colors to transmit emotion and movement. The upper right side of the canvas is filled with a fiery red tone that is starkly juxtaposed against the serene blues and greens of the sea, further intensifying the emotional impact of the composition.
A distinctive aspect of the artwork is the presence of two human figures in the upper right portion of the painting, seemingly battling against the might of nature. This human element introduces a narrative dimension to the piece, inviting contemplation about humankind’s relationship with the natural world. Overall, Gauguin’s “The Wave” is a powerful expression of the raw energy of the sea, as well as the innovative and symbol-laden approach typical of his Post-Impressionist style.
Collectors often choose this seascape image when searching for seascape oil painting that feels substantial rather than decorative or disposable.
Oil on canvas remains the reference standard for post-impressionist reproductions. Our artists apply pigment by hand, blending the seascape tones directly on the surface for depth that a printed seascape oil painting simply cannot match.
post-impressionist canvas wall art is one of the easiest ways to warm a living room. Pair this piece with natural linen, dark wood, or brushed brass, and let the hand painted surface do the rest.
Browse our Paul Gauguin Paintings selection for related seascape canvases, or commission this seascape image in a custom size. Every order is a hand painted oil painting, never a printed poster.
| Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 20 X 24 in | $47.98 |
| 24 X 36 in | $77.98 |
| 30 X 40 in | $104.48 |
| 36 X 48 in | $149.48 |
| 48 X 72 in | $291.98 |
The sizes shown are the reproduction canvas sizes we paint to order. The dimensions given in a work's description refer to the original artwork and will differ from the sizes offered here. Not sure? Read the size guide or e-mail us.
Free on orders over $60; a flat $5 below that. Dispatched in 1–2 business days; 30 days to send it back. Full policy.
Every canvas is painted by hand in oils on artist-grade stretched canvas, with an extra blank border left for framing. How to care for your painting.
Measurements are on the size guide, or e-mail [email protected] and we reply within one business day.
