Artwork preview

Plate with the Head of a Horned Devil (Planche au diable cornu)

Paul Gauguin

National Gallery of Art

The image consists of swirling lines and curved shapes creating an abstract composition. Dark shapes resemble the silhouette of an animal with horn and eyes. Nearby, a bird-like form with a curved beak appears perched. Abstracted human forms are seen on the right, one figure with a flowing mane. Leaves and curling lines are interspersed throughout, suggesting a natural setting.

Artwork Details

Date
in or after 1895
Medium
woodcut on very thin japan paper
Dimensions
4929 × 3712 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original