Pastoral in Martinique (Pastorales Martinique)

Pastoral in Martinique (Pastorales Martinique) by Paul Gauguin is a compelling print executed in 1889 and formally published in 1894, capturing the artist’s evolving interest in non-Western subject matter and experimental printmaking techniques. The work is classified as a zincograph, a specialized print medium utilizing a zinc plate rather than the traditional limestone of lithography. This technique allowed Gauguin to achieve a specific graphic quality, prioritizing bold, expressive lines and stark contrasts, which often mimic the rough, simplified aesthetic he later sought in his woodcut endeavors.

The image stems directly from Gauguin’s transformative visit to the French Caribbean island of Martinique in 1887, a pivotal experience that fundamentally shifted his artistic focus toward vibrant color, idealized tropical settings, and indigenous populations. Even in the monochrome medium of the zincograph, Gauguin successfully conveys the essence of a tranquil, idealized tropical locale. The scene depicts stylized figures amidst lush foliage, embodying the "pastoral" theme that defined his pursuit of artistic authenticity and escape from industrialized European society.

The production dates of 1889, published 1894, place this French print at a crucial intersection in the artist’s career, just as he was solidifying his Post-Impressionist and Symbolist approaches. Gauguin often revisited themes and studies from his travels, using them as foundations for works across different mediums. This work demonstrates his capacity to translate his saturated color vision into a powerful, graphic composition.

Pastoral in Martinique is an important example of the burgeoning role of prints in disseminating modern art in the late 19th century. This key piece of modern printmaking history currently resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Given its age and status, the work has been widely studied, and high-quality prints and reproductions are frequently encountered in public domain databases, allowing scholars and enthusiasts continuous access to this significant part of Gauguin’s graphic output.