Tahitian Idol—the Goddess Hina

"Tahitian Idol—the Goddess Hina," created by the French Post-Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin (1848-1903) between 1894 and 1895, is a remarkable example of his experimental approach to graphic arts. This striking work is executed as a wood-block print in reddish-brown ink, dramatically enhanced by the application of blue-gray watercolor washes directly onto the ivory wove paper. This technique transforms what is classified as a print into a unique, hand-finished mixed media piece, reflecting Gauguin’s personalized methods that often blurred traditional distinctions between drawing and printmaking.

The subject matter draws upon Gauguin’s extensive engagement with Polynesian culture during his periods spent in the South Pacific. The figure represents Hina, the Tahitian goddess of the moon, whom the artist utilized as a recurring motif to explore themes of spiritual authenticity and cultural contrast against the backdrop of late 19th-century colonial influence from France. Gauguin’s stylized, simplified depiction of the deity, characteristic of his Symbolist aesthetic, emphasizes raw, powerful form over naturalistic representation.

Gauguin’s innovative use of the wood-block medium, particularly in combining relief printing with watercolor additions, profoundly influenced the subsequent development of modern prints. Today, the work stands as a key indicator of the artist's commitment to translating exotic mythologies into fine art. This exceptional impression of Tahitian Idol—the Goddess Hina is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, providing scholars and the public access to this crucial period of the artist's output. The availability of masterworks like this one from the 1890s through institutions contributes significantly to the global understanding of art history and the history of public domain visual resources.