Tahitian Eve (related to the painting Parau ne te varua ino) (recto); Fragment of Inscription (related to Cahier pour Aline) (verso) is a significant drawing created by Paul Gauguin French, 1848-1903, between 1891 and 1893. This work originates from Gauguin’s first major residency in Tahiti, reflecting his profound exploration of myth, sexuality, and primal spirituality far from his home culture in France. The recto, titled Tahitian Eve, serves as an important preparatory study for the monumental oil painting Parau ne te varua ino (The Devil Speaks), completed during the same era. It captures the iconic figure of Eve, often depicted by Gauguin as a dark-skinned, stylized figure grappling with the ambiguity of knowledge and temptation.
Classified as a drawing, this piece was executed primarily in pen and brownish-black ink, layered over an initial application of pen and brown ink on cream wove paper that has since discolored to tan. The original dark purple and purple tones of the inks have shifted over time, offering insight into Gauguin's experimental use of color, even in his preparatory sketches. The sheet itself was removed from a sketchbook, indicating its intimate function within his daily working process. The reverse of the sheet bears a Fragment of Inscription in graphite, linking it directly to the artist's personal memoir and notes compiled for his daughter, Cahier pour Aline.
The duality of this drawing provides scholars with crucial evidence of Gauguin's creative methodology during a pivotal stage of Post-Impressionism. It demonstrates how the artist developed figures for major canvases while simultaneously compiling personal, theoretical writings about Polynesian culture. This drawing, preserved in the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, remains an invaluable record of Gauguin’s transformative years in the South Pacific. While the original drawing is unique, the widespread impact of this modernist master means that high-quality prints of his related artworks are frequently available through public domain collections.
Important: ArtBee makes no warranties about the copyright status of this artwork. To the best of our knowledge, based on information from the source museum, we believe this work is in the public domain.
You are responsible for determining the rights status and securing any permissions needed for your use. Copyright status may vary by jurisdiction. See our License & Usage page and Terms of Service for details.