Self-Portrait with Halo and Snake (1889) is one of Paul Gauguin’s most complex and symbolic self-portraits, painted during his stay in Pont-Aven. The work presents the artist with an almost mystical aura: a luminous halo surrounds his head, while a red apple and a snake, clear references to original sin, appear in the background. This contrast between holiness and temptation reflects Gauguin’s ambivalent view of himself: an inspired creator, but also a rebellious and restless figure.
The Synthetist style, with flat colours and bold outlines, highlights his determination to break away from Impressionism and embrace a more symbolic and expressive language. The face, rigid and almost mask-like, reveals a fragmented identity, suspended between spirituality, ego and provocation. The work thus becomes a psychological and artistic manifesto, showing Gauguin as a man defying convention, morality and tradition, placing himself at the centre of his own personal mythology.
Material of the finest quality
Print on handmade Amalfi paper Sheet size: 29 x 42 cm (11.4 x 16.5 in) With frame: 31 x 44 cm (12.2 x 17.3 in) Material: artwork printed on very fine handmade Amalfi paper with deckled edges Frame: light brown beech wood and wood pulp, handmade
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
The artwork comes with a certificate of authenticity, also on Amalfi paper, signed by the craftsman who made the print.
Come nasce una riproduzione su carta di Amalfi, com'è fatta la cornice, cos'è il vetro museale, quanto tempo serve per la spedizione e come funzionano i resi: abbiamo raccolto tutte le risposte in un'unica pagina.
