Who painted The Mermaid and the Monkey?

The Mermaid and the Monkey was painted by Paul Gauguin in 1876.

Where can I see The Mermaid and the Monkey?

The Mermaid and the Monkey is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Mermaid and the Monkey?

The Mermaid and the Monkey is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

The Mermaid and the Monkey

Paul Gauguin , 1876

The Mermaid and the Monkey is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Paul Gauguin. It dates from 1876 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Mermaid and the Monkey is a color woodcut on Japanese paper created by Paul Gauguin in 1876. It showcases the artist's experimentation with printmaking techniques.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a fantastical scene featuring a mermaid and a monkey. The mermaid's flowing pose and the monkey's dynamic stance create a sense of movement, set against a muted background that contrasts with the warm tones of the figures.

Technique & Style

Gauguin's use of bold lines and vibrant colors in The Mermaid and the Monkey reflects his evolving style, which emphasized symbolic imagery and departed from Impressionist techniques. The woodcut's texture and feel are characteristic of Japanese paper.

History & Provenance

Created in 1876, The Mermaid and the Monkey represents Gauguin's early exploration of wood engraving and woodcuts, expanding his artistic practice beyond painting.

Artist & collection

Artist

Paul Gauguin

Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin (; French: ; 7 June 1848 – 8 May 1903) was a French painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramist, and writer, whose work has been primarily associated with the Post-Impressionist and Symbolist movements.