Volpini Suite: Laundresses (Les Laveuses)

Gauguin discovered an exotic, primitive culture in Brittany, a rugged region on the Atlantic coast in northwestern France. He then sought to translate into expressive forms the picturesque costumes, customs, and special spirituality of the peasants. The unusual point of view, the stylization of the frothing water, and the cropped cow at the lower left all betray the influence of Japanese woodblock prints, which became popular in France from the early 1860s. The twelve lithographs in this set, printed from zinc plates rather than stones, were Gauguin's first attempts at printmaking. To heighten the decorative effect, the lithographs were printed onto large sheets of bright yellow paper.

A horizontally oriented zincograph in black ink on bright yellow paper depicts a rural scene. Bottom left, a cow with curved horns faces right. Behind it, a woman in a dark shawl kneels with her back to us. To our right, another woman in a white cap leans over water. Swirling, wavy lines fill the background. Heavy black forms and textured marks create the composition. The signature P. Gauguin is in the bottom right corner.

Volpini Suite: Laundresses (Les Laveuses)

1889

Paul Gauguin

(French, 1848–1903)

France, 19th century

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork

Artwork Page for Volpini Suite: Laundresses (Les Laveuses)

Details / Information for Volpini Suite: Laundresses (Les Laveuses)