Paul Gauguin - La Orana Maria

La Orana Maria (Hail Mary) by Paul Gauguin is an oil painting created in 1891 during Gauguin's first visit to Tahiti. The artwork blends Christian iconography with Polynesian culture, illustrating Gauguin’s fascination with the island’s people and their way of life.In this painting, Gauguin portrays the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child with distinctly Polynesian features, dressed in traditional Tahitian attire. Mary is shown with a blue and red wrap around her, while holding the infant Jesus. The figures are surrounded by two women in traditional pareo garments, who are depicted with hands in prayer, paying homage to the sacred scene.The backdrop features a lush, tropical landscape, rich with vibrant green foliage, bright flowers, and the warm colours characteristic of Tahitian nature. This combination of sacred imagery and local culture showcases Gauguin’s attempt to merge Western religious themes with the exotic mysticism he found in Tahiti, creating an intriguing synthesis of spiritual and earthly elements. The painting exemplifies Gauguin’s Post-Impressionist style, using bold colours, simplified forms, and symbolic elements to evoke emotion and spiritual resonance.