The Wizard of Hiva-Oa

The painting The Wizard of Hiva Oa, a painting created by Paul Gauguin in 1902, is part of the collection of the Musée des beaux-arts de Liège. The artwork, measuring 0.73 meters in width and 0.92 meters in height, depicts a scene with three figures in a lush, forested setting.

The central figure is a tall, slender person with dark skin and long black hair, standing in profile. They wear a vibrant red cape draped over a blue garment, and their feet are bare. Their expression is serene yet enigmatic. To the left, two figures with lighter skin tones stand close to a tree. They are partially obscured by the central figure, but their faces are visible, suggesting a moment of interaction or observation.

The right side of the painting features a fantastical element: a pink dog with wings, accompanied by a green bird. The ground is a rich tapestry of browns, oranges, and greens, reflecting the dappled light filtering through the trees. The overall atmosphere is one of mystery and otherworldliness, characteristic of Gauguin's fascination with Polynesian culture and spirituality.