Old Women of Arles, from the "Volpini Suite: Dessins lithographiques"

Old Women of Arles, from the "Volpini Suite: Dessins lithographiques" by Paul Gauguin, is a key example of the artist's pioneering efforts in printmaking and his transition toward Synthetism. Created in 1889, this specific impression is a zincograph, a planographic printmaking process similar to lithography that utilizes a zinc plate, expertly rendered on distinctive chrome yellow wove paper. This rare print belongs to a set of eleven works produced for an independent exhibition Gauguin mounted at the Café Volpini during the Paris World’s Fair. This 1889 exhibition was a critical moment where Gauguin and his peers formally broke from Impressionism, showcasing their commitment to subjective and symbolic expression.

The subject matter, focusing on the solemn presence of elderly women of Arles, reflects Gauguin’s intense interest in capturing the intrinsic character of provincial life, a theme he began developing during his stay in Arles the previous year. The composition utilizes heavy, simplified forms and an emphasis on outline, characteristic of the Synthetic aesthetic. Gauguin purposefully used the stark contrast inherent in the print medium to enhance the emotional weight of the figures, prioritizing symbolic impact over naturalistic depiction. The choice of the heavily colored support paper further enhances the visual drama and rarity of this first-edition print, distinguishing it from subsequent monochrome reproductions.

As one of the earliest and most important series of prints produced by the artist, the Volpini Suite provides crucial insight into Gauguin's transformation into a major Post-Impressionist figure. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this seminal work in its collection, where it serves as a central document of late nineteenth-century graphic innovation. While this specific first-edition print remains protected by The Met, the influential visual language developed by Gauguin in his drawings and subsequent prints often enters the public domain, ensuring global accessibility to his foundational works.