The Universe Is Created (1893–94, Met-Objekt 761)
Original title: The Universe Is Created
kurzbeschreibung
Paul Gauguin created the color woodcut "Das Universum wird erschaffen" in 1893–94. It presents a nocturnal scene with numerous figures, printed on wove paper.
Description
A dark night view unfolds. In the foreground lies a person in traditional dress, adorned with a headdress of red and white patterns. Around them are other human figures in various poses – some seem to move or fall, others remain motionless. In the background, shadowy outlines suggest trees or plants. Brown dominates the color scheme, interspersed with white and red accents; the light appears murky.
Context
During his stay in Tahiti between 1891 and 1893, the woodcut was begun and completed after his return to France in 1893. It belongs to a series of woodcuts devoted to creation myths and spiritual subjects. Polynesian myths and Gauguin's own symbolist imagery influenced the work.
Impact
The dark tonality and expressive figures give the print something eerie and enigmatic. Murky light and dynamic poses create an atmosphere full of drama and spiritual depth that draws the viewer into the mythical event.
Technique
Gauguin cut the woodblock and printed it in multiple colors on wove paper. The plate measures 20.4 × 35.3 cm, the sheet 26 × 48.4 cm. The coarse cutting style enhances the expressive effect of the color woodcut.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)