Human Sorrow (Miseres humaines)

The symbolic work Human Sorrow (Miseres humaines), created by Paul Gauguin and Ambroise Vollard in 1889, exemplifies the exploration of profound psychological themes common in French art of the late nineteenth century. This lithograph print was produced using a zinc plate and printed on delicate imitation Japan paper, a technical choice that highlights the growing interest among artists, especially Gauguin, in utilizing graphic arts to disseminate their ideas outside of traditional painting circuits.

Gauguin, a pivotal figure in the Post-Impressionist movement active during the period 1876 to 1900, often infused his subjects with deep emotional resonance, a quality strongly reflected in the somber mood suggested by the title. While the initial concept and design belonged to Gauguin, Vollard, a crucial Parisian dealer and publisher, played a significant role in the production and commercial dissemination of these sophisticated graphic works. The collaboration between the two underscores the growing artistic and commercial importance of fine art prints toward the end of the century, as many French artists sought simplified forms and potent emotional symbolism, moving away from strict naturalistic representation.

The delicate nature of the printing process, executed on imitation Japan paper, lends a subtle tonal range suitable for depicting themes of intense personal feeling suggested by the title Human Sorrow. This piece demonstrates the stylistic shift toward Symbolism that Gauguin championed just before his permanent move to the South Seas. This important example of late nineteenth-century graphic work is preserved in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, offering scholars and the public an intimate look at the experimental printmaking techniques of the era. High-resolution images of the work are sometimes made available through public domain initiatives, further broadening access to Gauguin’s contributions to modern art.