Lollichon's Field and the Church of Pont-Aven 1886

Paul Gauguin made this painting, Lollichon's Field and the Church of Pont-Aven, with oil on canvas, but we don't know exactly when. Gauguin was one of many artists who flocked to Brittany in the late 19th century, drawn by the region’s perceived authenticity. Away from Paris, Brittany represented a world untouched by modernity, a place where traditions and folk culture remained strong. In this image, the thatched cottages and the church spire symbolize the timeless quality of rural life, yet Gauguin’s style was very modern for the time. His use of color and simplified forms challenged academic painting conventions and the values they represented. Gauguin and his contemporaries looked to the past, but they forged a new path for art institutions. Historians can explore Gauguin’s letters, the writings of contemporary critics, and the records of exhibitions to learn more about the social conditions that shaped his art. Understanding these contexts enriches our appreciation of art and its role in culture.