Volpini Suite: Martinique Pastoral (Pastorales Martinique)

Created in 1889, this zincograph is part of the legendary Volpini Suite, a series of prints Gauguin exhibited at the Café des Arts (run by Monsieur Volpini) during the 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris. The suite marked a pivotal moment when Gauguin boldly showcased his innovative printmaking style alongside the official Impressionist exhibition. This particular print depicts scenes from Martinique, where Gauguin had traveled in 1887, seeking refuge from Western civilization and artistic conventions. The Caribbean island left an indelible impression on him, presaging his later escape to Tahiti. During this period, Gauguin was developing his distinctive Synthetist style—characterized by flat areas of color, bold outlines, and simplified forms that would influence generations of modern artists.

The Volpini Suite represents Gauguin's experimental approach to printmaking, using zincography (a lithographic process on zinc plates) to achieve rich, graphic effects. Working in a deliberately primitive style that rejected naturalistic representation, Gauguin embraced what he called 'savage' aesthetics. The Martinique subjects reflect his growing fascination with indigenous life and tropical landscapes, themes that would dominate his later Tahitian masterpieces. These prints were crucial in establishing Gauguin's reputation within the avant-garde circles that included artists like Émile Bernard and the Pont-Aven School, with whom he was closely associated during this transformative period.