PAUL GAUGUIN - The Swineherd, Brittany

THE ARTWORK

The Swineherd, Brittany, painted by Paul Gauguin in 1888, is a significant work from his early Post-Impressionist period. This scene captures a rural landscape in Brittany, France, where Gauguin frequently painted during the late 1880s. The composition features a swineherd—a peasant figure—standing near two pigs, with a colorful countryside village in the background.

Gauguin’s use of bold, flat areas of color—greens, oranges, and blues—demonstrates his move away from Impressionist realism toward a more symbolic, expressive style. The figures and landscape are simplified, with heavy outlines and an emphasis on form and color rather than naturalistic detail. The swineherd’s contemplative pose, combined with the idyllic rural setting, creates a sense of tranquility and connection to the land.

This painting reflects Gauguin’s growing interest in the “primitive” and unspoiled life, which he later explored more deeply during his time in Tahiti.

THE ARTIST

Paul Gauguin (1848-1903) was a French painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramist, and writer. Initially working as a stockbroker, Gauguin began painting in his spare time, influenced by artists like Camille Pissarro. The financial crisis of 1882 prompted him to pursue art full-time. Gauguin’s early works were influenced by Impressionism, but he later developed a unique style characterized by bold colors, strong outlines, and a focus on symbolism and primitivism.

In 1888, Gauguin famously collaborated with Vincent van Gogh in Arles, though their partnership was short-lived. Seeking inspiration, Gauguin traveled to Tahiti in 1891, where he created some of his most famous works, capturing the island’s landscapes and people. His time in Tahiti and later in the Marquesas Islands profoundly influenced his art, leading to a more simplified and symbolic style.

Gauguin’s work was not widely appreciated during his lifetime, but he is now recognized as a pioneer of modern art. His innovative use of color and form had a significant impact on future generations of artists. 

THE PRINT

• A4 Size = 29.7cm x 21cm = 11.7" x 8.25"
• A3 Size = 42cm x 29.7cm = 16.5" x 11.7"
• High resolution giclée print - 600dpi
• Printed to order
• Unframed & unmounted
• Professionally printed using Canon imagePROGRAF printers
• Digitally restored by OharaPrints from high resolution scans of the original artwork
• Made in and shipped from Casterton, Victoria, Australia

PAPER

• Canson Infinity - Arches BFK Rives White
• Paper weight = 310gsm
• 100% cotton
• Archival, museum grade
• Acid free
• No OBAs (optical brightening agents)

Arches BFK Rives is a high-quality, archival-grade paper manufactured at the Arches paper mill in France - one of the oldest papermakers in Europe. It is made from 100% cotton rag using a time-honoured manufacturing process, giving the paper exceptional durability, longevity, and resistance to yellowing or deterioration over time. Despite its substantial weight and thickness it maintains a very soft and supple feel. The paper has a natural white tone and is completely free of any optical brighteners (OBAs), allowing for superb colour rendition and deep blacks.

INK

• Canon Lucia Pro Inks
• Pigment based
• Archival, museum-grade
• Brilliant colours, even gradient and razor-sharp lines
• Highly stable and fade resistant, excellent humidity-fastness

SHIPPING & HANDLING

• All orders are dispatched on the NEXT BUSINESS DAY after receiving the order
• All prints are shipped via AUSTRALIA POST with TRACKING
• For postage rates and estimated delivery times please see our SHIPPING page
• All prints are shipped flat, not rolled
• Each print is individually placed into a resealable, archival grade plastic protective sleeve
• Prints are carefully packaged in very sturdy 700gsm cardboard envelopes, along with 1050gsm boxboard sheets which provide extra strength & rigidity to prevent bending or folding during transit