Portrait of Stéphane Mallarmé

The Portrait of Stéphane Mallarmé by Paul Gauguin, created in 1891, is a significant example of fin-de-siècle portraiture rendered in the exacting medium of etching. This print captures the renowned French Symbolist poet, Stéphane Mallarmé, a central figure in Parisian intellectual circles whom Gauguin admired greatly. The work reflects the deep intellectual and artistic connections between avant-garde painters and literary figures during the late 19th century, a time when Symbolism dominated aesthetic discourse.

Executed as an etching, Gauguin employed sharp lines and strong tonal contrasts to create a somber, intimate depiction of the influential subject. The composition focuses tightly on the man’s profile, utilizing the linear details characteristic of the medium to suggest mood rather than traditional academic precision. Gauguin often used portrait studies like this to explore the inner psychological states of his subjects. The deliberate simplicity and bold linearity employed by the artist highlight Mallarmé’s contemplative nature, demonstrating the influence of Japanese ukiyo-e prints on Gauguin’s graphic style during this period.

While Gauguin is most celebrated for his post-Impressionist paintings, this earlier piece demonstrates his versatility and deep commitment to exploring printmaking processes before his major voyages to the South Pacific. The rarity and quality of the finished impression place it among the crucial late 19th-century prints held by institutions worldwide. This impression of the Portrait of Stéphane Mallarmé is housed within the expansive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a key resource for scholars studying Symbolism and early modern graphic arts. As an important historical document, high-resolution reproductions of these prints are often made available through public domain initiatives for study and appreciation.