Circles and Numbers; Self-Portrait [recto]

The drawing Circles and Numbers; Self-Portrait [recto] by Paul Gauguin is an important example of the artist's early exploratory work, executed between 1879 and 1889. This piece, rendered using crayon and graphite on wove paper, captures Gauguin experimenting with self-representation during the critical period of 1876 to 1900, when he was transitioning from his career as a stockbroker to a full-time professional French artist. The utilization of these dry media emphasizes the immediacy and tentative quality often found in preparatory studies or intimate self-examinations.

As a drawing, the work highlights Gauguin’s analytical approach, where he employs geometric and numerical elements alongside the subjective portrait of the self. The designation of "Circles and Numbers" suggests an early investigation into formal structure and symbolic language, themes that would become central to his mature Post-Impressionist style. This self-portrait provides insight into the artist’s technical development, showcasing a focused study of form and line before his radical break into Synthetism.

This drawing is classified firmly within the history of French art in the late nineteenth century. Gauguin used drawing not only as a means of study but as a way to process the complex, symbolic elements of his emerging compositions. The subtle intensity of the graphite line contrasts with the broader application of crayon, demonstrating a foundational mastery of draftsmanship. The inclusion of the abstract elements alongside the portrait hints at the emotional and intellectual depth Gauguin sought to convey in his representations. This seminal piece is a valuable part of the National Gallery of Art's drawing collection, offering scholars a detailed view into the technical evolution of the artist. As this drawing resides in a major public collection, high-quality prints and reproductions are often made available through public domain initiatives, allowing widespread access to Gauguin’s significant contributions to modern art.