Daphnis and Chloë - Aristide Maillol

A classic woodcut illustration by Aristide Maillol, depicting the pastoral figures of Daphnis and Chloë with bold, clean lines.

This woodcut by Aristide Maillol depicts a scene from the ancient Greek pastoral romance Daphnis and Chloë. Maillol, primarily known for his sculptural work, applied a similar focus on simplified, monumental forms to his graphic output. The composition features the two protagonists standing beneath a tree, rendered with clean, bold outlines that define their figures against the negative space of the background. The lack of internal shading or complex modelling reflects Maillol's preference for clarity and structural integrity in his art.

The work was produced for a limited edition publication of the Longus text, a project that occupied the artist for several years. His approach to the woodcut medium involves a directness that mirrors the rustic nature of the source material. The figures are positioned in a rhythmic, almost frieze-like arrangement, which draws upon classical influences while maintaining a distinct early twentieth-century aesthetic. The surrounding foliage and the shepherd's crook placed at the base provide context for the narrative without distracting from the primary subjects. The heavy black border frames the scene, creating a contained space that emphasises the graphic quality of the print. This piece demonstrates the artist's ability to translate the tactile qualities of his sculpture into the two-dimensional realm of printmaking, focusing on the essential contours of the human form.