Paul Gauguin’s ‘We Hail Thee Mary’ is a painting completed in 1891. The artwork depicts a Tahitian woman carrying her son, while two other women bow in respect alongside an angel figure. The title, Ia Orana Maria, means ‘We Hail Thee Mary’ and is the beginning of the Tahitian version of the prayer Ave Maria. The painting reflects Gauguin’s interest in religion, despite not being religious in the typical sense.
The painting is an example of Gauguin’s work after his move to Tahiti. The artist occasionally painted religious paintings, but his style was not always consistent with traditional depictions. This painting shows his interest in exploring different cultures, which influenced his art. The work’s exoticism and bright colors reflect Gauguin’s fascination with Tahitian culture.
The painting is currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The piece is considered one of Gauguin’s most famous works and has been studied extensively by art historians. The artwork’s religious subject matter, along with Gauguin’s interpretation of it, makes it an interesting example of the artist’s work and provides insight into his unique approach to art.
