L'Univers est crée (The Creation of the Universe)

1894, printed 1921

Paul Gauguin

Associated Names
Paul Gauguin

Artist, French, 1848 - 1903

Pola Gauguin

Printer, Danish, born France, 1883-1961

Christian Cato

Publisher

The image shows swirling lines and curving shapes creating an abstract composition with dynamic movement. In the center, a seated figure is surrounded by other humanoid forms blending into the textures. To the right, an oversized, fish-like creature with a prominent eye and fin appears, dominating the space. Smaller figures below engage with elemental forms, and the lower portion features a smooth, elongated shape resembling a flowing river or ribbon.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    woodcut on China paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    image: 20.4 × 35.4 cm (8 1/16 × 13 15/16 in.)
    sheet: 26 × 43.2 cm (10 1/4 × 17 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1944.2.25.7

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Mongan et al. 1988, no. 18, State ii/ii (Eb)

Associated Artworks

See all 9 artworks
This is a painting of abstract figures set in a dream-like landscape. The image consists of two prominent figures situated in front of a textured and patterned background. The central figure is positioned seated, with distinctive features and an adorned head, depicted in dark tones contrasted against the lighter textured surroundings. To the right, another figure appears to be in motion with arms raised, contributing to a sense of movement and fluidity. The background exhibits abstract patterns that resemble geological or organic forms, creating a mystical and ethereal atmosphere. The contrast between light and dark areas is pronounced, enhancing the dramatic effect of the composition.

Auti te Pape (Women at the River)

Paul Gauguin, Pola Gauguin, Christian Cato

1894

Paul Gauguin: 10 Traesnit (Pola Gauguin Portfolio)

Paul Gauguin, Pola Gauguin, Christian Cato

1894

The image features curving and jagged lines forming distinct shapes such as a person wrapped in cloth, a bull, and a bird. To the left, the text "Les Souitine" is intertwined with swirls, while on the right, faces with mask-like features are visible. The design shows bold contrast between light and shadow, resembling a carved or scratched appearance of woodcut prints.

Title Page for "Le Sourire" (Titre du Sourire)

Paul Gauguin, Pola Gauguin, Christian Cato

1899

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1969

  • Gauguin and Exotic Art, University Gallery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 1969, no. 15.

1982

  • Lessing J. Rosenwald: Tribute to a Collector, NGA, 1982, no. 100, repro.

Bibliography

1927

  • Guérin, Marcel. L'Oeuvre gravé de Gauguin. 2 vols. Paris: H. Floury, 1927.

1988

  • Mongan, Elizabeth, Eberhard W. Kornfeld, and Harold Joachim. Paul Gauguin: Catalogue Raisonne of his Prints. Berne: Galerie Kornfeld, 1988.

Inscriptions

recto: in block, at lower left: L'Univers est crée; in block, at lower right: P G O; above image, at left, in graphite: no 55; below image, at left, in graphite: Paul Gauguin fait; below image, at right, in graphite: Pola Gauguin imp.; verso: none

Markings

none

Watermarks

none

Wikidata ID

Q65024259

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