Vairumati (Detail reproduction on decorative blocks)
Decorative object / Printed reproduction on wooden or composite blocks • After Paul Gauguin (French, 1848–1903)
Style & Movement
Post-Impressionism / Symbolism / Primitivism
Medium & Technique
Color lithographic or digital print applied to a block support; original was oil on canvas with cloisonnism and flattening of perspective
Creation Period
Original painting 1897; this reproduction late 20th - early 21st century
Dimensions & Format
Small-scale decorative format consisting of two adjacent vertical blocks, forming a square or slightly rectangular composition.
Subject Description
A reproduction of Gauguin's decorative Tahitian scene featuring the legendary figure Vairumati, shown partially nude with a red loincloth, a dark-colored bird (likely representing a mythical presence), and lush tropical foliage using a warm, saturated color palette.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; notable surface abrasions, edge wear, and visible seams where the image segments meet.
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $30 USD
Auction Estimate
$5 - $20 USD (nominal value as a decorative collectible)
Provenance History
Mass-produced commercial decorative item, likely acquired through a museum gift shop or retail outlet.
Art Historical Significance
The original painting is a masterpiece of Gauguin's Tahitian period, held by the Musée d'Orsay, representing his search for a 'primitive' paradise and his synthesis of local myth with European stylistic innovation. This specific object holds no historical significance other than as a piece of commercial memorabilia.
Notable Features
The image is split across multiple blocks, suggesting it may be part of a puzzle or a desktop decorative set; it cropped Gauguin's original composition significantly.
Condition Issues
Horizontal and vertical seams where the print is disrupted, visible chipping and scuffing along the edges and corners, and slight color fading.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent further fading and avoid moisture which could cause the print to delaminate from the block.