Woman Picking Fruit and Oviri

Woman Picking Fruit and Oviri by Paul Gauguin French, 1848-1903, created between 1895 and 1896, is a sophisticated example of the artist’s mature printmaking practice following his initial journey to Tahiti. Classified as a print, the technical execution of this work is remarkably complex: it is a wood-block print in black ink executed on thin ivory Japanese paper, which was subsequently tipped onto ivory wove paper, and finally laid down onto off-white wove plate paper featuring distinctive decorative plate marks. This multi-layered mounting technique was crucial for preserving the delicacy of the Japanese paper while adding structural depth to the final composition.

This period saw Gauguin heavily experimenting with the woodcut medium, intentionally moving toward a raw, expressive aesthetic influenced by Symbolism and non-Western iconography. The subject matter merges the everyday action of a woman picking fruit with the imposing figure of Oviri, a powerful Polynesian goddess figure often representing savagery or fertility. Gauguin’s decision to pursue woodblock printing, rather than traditional European etching, reflects his aesthetic break from academic traditions in France and his profound commitment to synthesizing diverse cultural references.

This important graphic arts piece demonstrates Gauguin's innovative approach to rendering complex narrative and spiritual themes through stark lines and simplified forms. His radical style significantly influenced subsequent generations of modernist artists. As a canonical work of late 19th-century French art, this print is preserved within the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Images of this masterwork are frequently utilized for educational purposes and, due to its age and stature, are widely accessible in the public domain.