Edgar Chahine

Young Polynesian Man

Young Polynesian Man by Edgar Chahine

Artwork Detail

Better known for his prints capturing France’s la belle époque (beautiful era) in this rare gouache Edgar Chahine has created a poignant and evocative portrait, although one that sets up as many questions as answers. It has been suggested that this might be a ‘portrait’ of Paul Gauguin – there are a number of facial similarities, and Chahine knew the Nabis well – yet Gauguin did not go to Tahiti until later in life. Chahine’s Parisian studio was destroyed in 1942, which means we may never know the answer to these queries.

Title
Young Polynesian Man
Artist/creator
Edgar Chahine
Production date
1894-1947
Medium
gouache on paper
Dimensions
645 x 555 x 40 mm
Credit line
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, gift of Lesley Ryan in honour of her brother, Neville W Ryan, 2007
Accession no
2008/3
Copyright
Copyright Expired
Department
International Art
Display status
Not on display

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