(b. 1848, Paris, d. 1903, Atuona, Hiva Oa, French Polynesia)
The God Taaroa with One of His Wifes
1892-93
Watercolour, 215 x 170 mm
Musée du Louvre, Paris
The subject of this watercolour is related to the ancient native religion at Tahiti. It depicts a moment in the creation of the world. The text at top was written by Gauguin in the language of the natives. He prepared a booklet on this religion ("Ancien Culte Mahorie") which remained in manuscript until 1951 when a facsimile edition was published in Paris. The present watercolour decorated page 7 of this manuscript.
