Maruru (Thank You)

Maruru (Thank You) by Paul Gauguin, Pola Gauguin, and Christian Cato, is a powerful example of French prints created during the dynamic period between 1876 to 1900. This woodcut, executed on delicate China paper, exemplifies the expressive potential artists found in traditional relief techniques toward the close of the 19th century. The medium inherently demands simplicity and bold contrast, aesthetic qualities that Gauguin employed effectively to convey the spiritual and mythological themes derived from his residence in the South Pacific.

The work is rooted in Paul Gauguin’s deep engagement with Tahitian culture, utilizing the indigenous word Maruru as its title. While the primary design likely originated with Gauguin, the involvement of Pola Gauguin and Cato suggests the collaborative nature of printmaking during this era, often required for the skillful execution and printing of the block onto fragile China paper. This collaboration highlights the complexity of attributing the final print edition.

Gauguin’s woodcuts stand apart from the naturalistic prints of his contemporaries, instead favoring a primitive, stylized aesthetic that aligns closely with Symbolism. He employed flattened forms, stark lines, and dense patterns, techniques designed to evoke emotion and intellectual contemplation rather than mere visual representation. The deliberate crudeness of the woodcut medium amplified his rejection of European academic standards and served as a vital part of his ongoing artistic exploration into non-Western subjects and forms.

This significant print is preserved in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, providing crucial insight into the printmaking revival of the late 19th century. The continuing availability of this type of foundational art through public domain resources further extends the understanding of technical innovation and cultural appropriation during the period 1876 to 1900.