Artwork
The Devil Speaks (Mahna No Varua Ino) (recto); Women Washing Clothes (verso)
The Devil Speaks (Mahna No Varua Ino) (recto); Women Washing Clothes (verso) is a print by the Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This print, titled 'The Devil Speaks (Mahna No Varua Ino)' on one side and 'Women Washing Clothes' on the other, is part of a series of ten woodblock prints created by Paul Gauguin.
Subject & Meaning
The two images depict distinct scenes: a horned devil whispering to a figure, and women washing clothes in a river, reflecting Gauguin's experiences in Tahiti and his interest in conveying the essence of his time there.
Technique & Style
Gauguin carved the images into woodblocks and printed them himself, resulting in a rough, handmade quality due to varied inks, papers, and carving techniques, giving the prints a unique, raw appearance.
History & Provenance
The print was created in 1893, following Gauguin's return to Paris from Tahiti, as part of his 'Noa Noa' project, a book intended to contextualize his avant-garde works inspired by his time outside Europe.
Context
The 'Noa Noa' project and its associated prints were conceived to provide insight into Gauguin's life in Tahiti and the inspirations behind his work from that period.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
Emilienne d'Alençon
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