Plate with the Head of a Horned Devil, from the Suite of Late Wood-Block Prints 1898 - 1899

Paul Gauguin created this woodblock print, Plate with the Head of a Horned Devil, at the end of his career. Its stark black and white contrast immediately captures our attention. Figures and faces emerge from the dark, swirling forms, creating a dreamlike space filled with uncertainty. Gauguin's expressive use of the woodblock medium itself is a crucial element here. He deliberately left the marks of his carving process visible. These rough, uneven lines and textures contribute to the print’s raw and unsettling quality. This technique reflects a broader artistic interest in challenging traditional notions of beauty and finish. The composition defies conventional perspective. Elements are layered and interwoven, creating a sense of depth while simultaneously flattening the picture plane. The horned devil, a recurring motif in Gauguin’s work, may represent inner turmoil or a confrontation with the unknown. Gauguin pushes against the boundaries of representation, creating a visual language that is both personal and deeply symbolic.