The Rape of Europa (L'enlevement d'Europe)

The Rape of Europa (L'enlevement d'Europe) by Paul Gauguin, created around 1898-1899, is a significant example of French prints from the late nineteenth century, falling firmly within the period of 1876 to 1900. This highly detailed print utilizes the challenging medium of woodcut on chine collé. Gauguin, known for his experimental approaches to graphic art, often layered materials, as evidenced here by the presence of a fragment of another print affixed to the back of the mount. This technique suggests his continuous effort to integrate texture and complex visual fields into his two-dimensional works, often resulting in unique impressions even when using the same block.

The subject, derived from classical mythology, depicts the Phoenician princess Europa being abducted by Zeus, who has assumed the form of a white bull. Gauguin’s interpretation, however, is deeply rooted in the Symbolist aesthetic he developed during his time in the South Pacific. Unlike traditional academic treatments of this theme, the forms in Gauguin’s print are simplified and bold, reflecting his interest in non-Western art and his embrace of Primitivism. The dense, expressive lines characteristic of the woodcut technique enhance the dramatic tension of the scene, transforming the mythical encounter into a contemplation on nature, power, and desire rather than a mere narrative illustration.

This striking French print is a valuable component of the National Gallery of Art's comprehensive collection of works on paper. Executed just before the turn of the century, The Rape of Europa demonstrates Gauguin's lasting commitment to printmaking as a means of circulating complex, non-narrative ideas to a wider audience. As a key work from the artist’s final productive period, this print helps define the trajectory of modern graphic art, influencing subsequent generations of artists. Prints and reproductions of influential works such as this are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread access to Gauguin's pioneering graphic output.