Daphnis geeft Chloë een appel 1937

Aristide Maillol made this woodcut print, Daphnis gives Chloë an apple, and it’s all about simplifying form. There’s a real process here, a reduction to essential shapes, giving it this timeless quality. The texture is interesting – you can almost feel the grain of the wood. It’s not trying to hide its origins, but rather embrace the material. Everything is carved with such directness. Look at the way the figures are rendered: bold outlines, minimal shading. The line that defines the boy's arm as he offers the apple is particularly telling. It’s so confident and clear, but also economical. It reminds me a little of Gauguin and his prints, this appreciation for non-western art, and the beauty of simple forms. Ultimately, it’s not about perfection; it’s about the energy of the mark and the conversation between the artist, the material, and the story.