Paul Gauguin (1848-1903) spent some of his career as an Impressionist, painting en plein air and abstracting his works with the effect of light on color. He later became dissatisfied with this approach and moved into other abstractions. Our work today is an example of his Synthetism abstraction. Here he did not paint natural views but gave this work a synthetic quality. The red sky of this piece is a prime example of this movement.

In Vision after the Sermon Gauguin shows us the sermon of Jacob wrestling the angel through the eyes of the pious women who heard it. This is a masterful composition that both intrigues and confuses. The background is dominated by a synthetic red sky and the diagonal line of a fairly natural appearing tree trunk and greenish leaves though the center branches that form a leaf shape are puzzling. The cow also seems an interesting choice! The foreground is filled with women on their knees, in their caps, in prayer and rapt visioning and imagination.

Paul Gauguin pushed many limits. He pushed the limits of European life, of the artistic representation of that life, of color and composition. In his lifetime he also pushed the limits of marriage, friendship, lifestyle, livelihood and the Paris art scene. He died in French Polynesia at age 54 after leaving Paris ten years earlier.

We remember Paul Gauguin as a talented artist who walked a path difficult for himself and those around him. His talent could not shield him from the truth of consequences. It seems he wrestled his own angels throughout his life and seldom won. I would have wished him artistic success framed in blue skies, good relationships, confession, redemption and compassion. This frame could be the prayer and vision we faithfully bring from this work to all the people of God’s world. May it be so and amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church