Pastorales Martinique (Martinique Pastorals), from the Volpini Suite

Pastorales Martinique (Martinique Pastorals), from the Volpini Suite by Paul Gauguin French, 1848-1903, is a significant example of the artist's early experiments in printmaking. Created in 1889, this specific print is a zincograph, a technique akin to lithography, executed in black ink on a distinct chrome yellow wove paper. The Volpini Suite, a collection of eleven such zincographs, was produced shortly after Gauguin’s impactful 1887 trip to the French Caribbean colony of Martinique. The artist embraced this relatively inexpensive print medium as a way to quickly disseminate his evolving aesthetic, which marked a decisive move away from Impressionism and toward Synthetism.

The subject matter merges tropical exoticism with classical pastoral traditions, featuring simplified forms and bold, rhythmic outlines that reflect Gauguin’s developing style. The work depicts figures and landscapes observed during his time in the Caribbean, integrating the perceived native innocence and lush environment into a highly stylized composition. Unlike many of his contemporaries, 1848-1903 sought inspiration outside metropolitan France, utilizing these overseas experiences to fuel his concept of Primitivism.

The inherent contrast of the heavy black ink against the vibrant yellow paper imbues the work with an almost jarring visual energy, emphasizing the exoticism of the scene. These early prints allowed Gauguin to distill his memories into powerful, highly focused compositions, cementing his reputation as a key figure in Post-Impressionism. The piece is one of many important prints by Gauguin held in the Art Institute of Chicago collection, providing critical insight into the French artist’s pivotal transition period.