The Ham 1889

Paul Gauguin’s painting, ‘The Ham,’ presents a fleshy subject, thickly rendered in oil paint. The raw, pink, and white ham is isolated on a plate, accompanied by onions, potatoes, and a dark beverage. Gauguin's use of such a commonplace subject matter—food—is notable. It is an exploration of texture and form, with an eye for the tactile qualities of the material world. This painting is less about high art and more about the everyday. The visible brushstrokes and the heavy application of paint further emphasize the materiality of the painting itself, drawing attention to the act of creation. Consider the social implications of such a subject. In painting this cut of ham, Gauguin asks us to think about labor, production, and consumption. It disrupts the traditional hierarchy of art, inviting us to reflect on the intersection of fine art and the common objects that surround us. It's a testament to the importance of seeing art not just as a representation, but as an artifact imbued with social and cultural significance.