Paul Gauguin, towards the end of his life in French Polynesia, developed his own technique to create a unique double-sided image. Both sides depict a young Tahitian woman as Eve in the Garden of Eden, surrounded by the Devil in the form of a serpent, a dark figure on horseback, and a fallen Adam. One side features fine blue and black lines, while on the other side, these marks appear thicker and darker with dark spots and ocher ink. See more
The more colorful and detailed side was probably intended for viewers.
Although the drawing may seem rudimentary at first glance, it reveals great sophistication with nuanced marks and careful use of color. Gauguin coated a piece of paper with printer's ink, drew the initial composition in black pencil, added shading with ocher ink, strengthened the outlines with blue crayon, and used the pressure of the instruments to transfer the ink to the reverse side. He had to replace the inked sheet between printings and use a solvent to blur certain areas.
The work explores dual themes such as good and evil, and Gauguin used symbols to evoke varied interpretations. Eve's figure, although looking directly at the viewer, expresses an ambivalence that is difficult to decipher. This Eve and the hooded rider behind her were used in other works by Gauguin. The artist may have drawn inspiration from motifs from the Parthenon and symbolized Death in the hooded rider.
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