Volpini Suite: Laundresses (Les Laveuses) - Paul Gauguin

A striking 1889 zincograph by Paul Gauguin, featuring simplified forms and rhythmic lines characteristic of the Synthetist movement.

This print belongs to the Volpini Suite, a collection of eleven zincographs produced by Paul Gauguin in 1889. The artist created these works for an exhibition held at the Café des Arts, located near the entrance of the Exposition Universelle in Paris. The exhibition was organised by Gauguin and his associates, including Émile Bernard, to showcase their departure from traditional Impressionist techniques in favour of a more symbolic and decorative approach.

The composition features two figures engaged in the act of washing laundry, a common subject in Gauguin's depictions of rural Breton life. The artist employs a flattened perspective, prioritising bold outlines and simplified forms over realistic modelling. The background is rendered with rhythmic, swirling lines that suggest the movement of water or wind, creating a decorative effect that is characteristic of the Synthetist style. The figures are reduced to essential shapes, their forms defined by dark, solid areas of ink that contrast with the bright yellow paper support.

By printing these images on yellow paper, Gauguin achieved a striking visual impact that distinguished his work from the standard black-and-white lithographs of the period. The choice of medium reflects his interest in experimental printmaking techniques and his desire to reach a broader audience outside of the traditional gallery system. The work demonstrates his move away from the observation of nature toward a more subjective, memory-based representation of form. The signature of the artist is visible in the lower right corner, integrated into the composition. This print offers a clear view into the stylistic transition occurring within the Pont-Aven school during the late nineteenth century, where artists sought to synthesise their visual observations with their internal emotional responses.