Self-Portrait ☷ Gauguin ☰ Canvas sunset as the elk

as the elk

Gray Weather (1907

with the French Riviera and sailboats visible in the background

It is interpreted as an emblem of life's transience and individual salvation

Self-Portrait ☷ Gauguin ☰ Canvas sunset as the elkSelf Portrait with Halo and Snake (1889) by Paul Gauguin is one of more than 40 self portraits he completed during his lifetime. This portrait demonstrates his use of religious symbolism, and the influence of Japanese wood block prints. Gauguin divides the canvas in half, possibly to portray himself as both saint and sinner. He depicts himself with a halo above his head, apples hanging beside him, holding a snake, with flowers in the foreground.