death by decision
Death by Decision Paul Gauguin painted Self-portrait with halo in 1889, two years before he abandoned his family and his country to pursue his art, unencumbered by responsibility, in the Marquesas Island. Gauguin appears to be struggling with his desire to go and his anxiety about the consequences of his leaving. His conflicted emotions can be seen in his twisted face centered in a divided canvas. His desire to leave is strong, as evidenced by the serpent in his hand and the apples hanging by his head. But what holds Gauguin back is his concerns for his family, symbolized by the flowers and his reputation, symbolized by the halo.