Horse, with Other Animals and Ornaments 1899 - 1900

Paul Gauguin likely made this woodcut, Horse, with Other Animals and Ornaments, in the late 1890s, using a knife or gouge to carve the image into a block of wood. Rather than traditional art materials, woodcuts use a readily available material, connecting art-making to the everyday. The bold, contrasting lines define the forms, from the horse to the surrounding foliage. The rough texture of the woodblock, combined with the carving process, creates a print with a raw, almost primal quality. Gauguin was deeply interested in non-Western cultures, and this choice of material reflects that interest. Woodcuts have a long history in many cultures outside the European fine art tradition. While Gauguin’s work often romanticizes the cultures he encountered, it’s important to consider the labor involved in producing these prints. The act of carving requires physical effort and skill, reminding us that art is not just about ideas, but also about the hands that bring them to life. Appreciating the making of this print allows us to reflect on labor, materials, and cultural exchange.