In the Waves (Dans les Vagues)

Paul Gauguin

Cleveland Museum of Art

The painting depicts a nude woman with red hair from behind, positioned in the ocean waves. The woman has her arms raised, one hand touching her hair and the other palm facing outwards. Her body is facing away from the viewer, with her back and buttocks visible. She has a slender build and appears to be standing in the ocean with waves crashing around her. The background is a dark green color, representing the ocean water. The waves are white and foamy, with some of them curling over the woman's body. The overall style of the painting is impressionist, with bold brushstrokes and vivid colors. The artist's signature is visible in the bottom-left corner. The woman's hair is red and appears to be wet. The painting's color palette is predominantly green and white, with the woman's skin tone providing contrast.