Stéphane Mallarmé

Stéphane Mallarmé is an intimate etching created by Paul Gauguin in 1891. This portrait, printed in rich brown ink on delicate Japan paper, captures one of the most significant intellectual figures of the fin de siècle era. The work exemplifies Gauguin's graphic practice and stands firmly within the French artistic production of the period spanning 1876 to 1900, a time characterized by profound shifts away from traditional Realism toward Symbolism.

Mallarmé, the celebrated poet, was the central theoretical voice of the Symbolist movement, whose emphasis on suggestion, metaphor, and internal experience deeply resonated with Gauguin’s own spiritual and formal concerns. Although primarily known as a Post-Impressionist painter, Gauguin engaged with printmaking throughout his career, often using the technique for its capacity to produce bold, reductive forms. The etching medium—which involves incising a metal plate and bathing it in acid to create lines—allowed the artist to achieve a distinct, graphic intensity suitable for capturing the poet’s contemplative profile.

Gauguin’s choice of this medium, rather than a more conventional painted portrait, suggests the image was intended for close, intellectual appreciation within the Symbolist circle, reflecting the mutual admiration between the poet and the artist. The simplified composition and subtle application of tone emphasize the gravitas of the sitter. This period marked a pivotal time for French art, as Gauguin was finalizing plans to leave Europe, yet he maintained strong ties to the Parisian intelligentsia represented by Mallarmé. This key print provides valuable insight into Gauguin’s explorations beyond painting and remains preserved in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a historical print of this era, the work is frequently made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring its accessibility for study and appreciation.