A Bearded Man and a Man in Profile [verso]

The drawing A Bearded Man and a Man in Profile [verso] by Paul Gauguin, created between 1884 and 1888, offers insight into the artist's foundational drawing practice during a pivotal moment in his career. Executed in graphite and crayon on wove paper, this work is characterized by its dual-sided exploration of the human figure. The drawing features two distinct studies of male heads, sketched with a direct, exploratory quality typical of preliminary work. Gauguin uses graphite for the foundational contours, augmented by crayon to establish shading and mass, particularly visible in the density of the bearded figure's facial hair and determined expression. The contrast achieved through the limited material palette underscores the psychological intensity Gauguin sought to capture even in these quick studies.

This piece belongs to the French cultural output of the crucial period spanning 1876 to 1900. During these years, Gauguin was actively defining his unique artistic voice, moving away from conventional Impressionist techniques and toward the more expressive, structured forms that would later characterize Post-Impressionism and Symbolism. These preparatory sketches, while less stylized than his iconic later works, demonstrate Gauguin’s inherent focus on the human profile and psychological presence. The rapid execution suggests the drawing’s function as a working study, perhaps preparatory for larger paintings or reflecting observational exercises undertaken by the artist during his transition into full-time artistic commitment.

As an important document illustrating the methodology and development of this influential modern master, the drawing is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The study is classified simply as a drawing, providing an intimate look into Gauguin’s early attention to portraiture before his definitive move away from strictly European subjects. Given that many works of art created during the 1876 to 1900 timeframe are frequently shared with the public, the opportunity to view high-resolution reproductions or acquire quality prints of the artist’s oeuvre is often available, especially when artworks enter the public domain.