Old Women of Arles, from the Volpini Suite

The Old Women of Arles, from the Volpini Suite by Paul Gauguin (French, 1848-1903) is a powerful example of the artist's printmaking practice during his transitional period in the South of France. Created in 1889, this zincograph belongs to the scarce set of twelve prints known collectively as the Volpini Suite, so named for its exhibition at the Café Volpini in Paris that same year. Gauguin utilized the zincography process, a planar printmaking technique similar to lithography, to achieve bold, graphic black lines that suited his emerging Symbolist aesthetic. The striking visual impact of this specific impression is further enhanced by its medium: black ink printed directly onto chrome yellow wove paper.

The subject matter, reflecting the environment of Arles, is rendered through simplified forms and heavy outlines, demonstrating Gauguin's move toward a Cloisonnist style developed in concert with contemporary artists like Émile Bernard. This print, along with the other works in the suite, represents a critical moment in the history of modern French prints, bridging the gap between Impressionism and the nascent Symbolist movement. Although the Volpini Suite initially met with limited commercial success, the series provides crucial insight into the graphic explorations that would influence the artist’s later paintings.

This rare impression of Old Women of Arles resides within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a key work of 19th-century European art, this piece exemplifies Gauguin’s ability to imbue everyday observation with deep psychological tension. While some later works by the master are now available through public domain initiatives, the original scarcity and quality of these early prints make them invaluable references for scholarly research.