Daphnis Pursuing Chloe - Aristide Maillol

A minimalist woodcut by French artist Aristide Maillol, depicting a scene from the classical tale of Daphnis and Chloe through clean, expressive lines.

This woodcut by Aristide Maillol depicts a scene from the ancient Greek pastoral romance, Daphnis and Chloe. Maillol, primarily known for his sculpture, applied a similar focus on simplified, monumental forms to his graphic work. The composition relies on clean, continuous outlines to define the two figures in motion. By stripping away unnecessary detail, the artist directs the viewer to the rhythm of the bodies and the interaction between the characters.

The print demonstrates Maillol's interest in classical themes, which he interpreted through a modern lens. The stark contrast between the black ink and the cream paper creates a graphic clarity that is characteristic of his book illustrations. The figures are rendered with a sense of weight and physical presence, despite the two-dimensional nature of the medium. The surrounding black border frames the action, containing the energy of the pursuit within a defined space.

Maillol produced this work as part of his collaboration with the publisher Philippe Gonin for an edition of Longus's Daphnis and Chloe. His approach to the woodcut medium was direct and unadorned, favouring bold shapes over tonal shading. This print captures the essence of his aesthetic, where the human form is reduced to its most essential, expressive lines. It reflects his long-standing fascination with Mediterranean antiquity and his ability to translate the tactile qualities of sculpture into the graphic arts.