Design for a Jardiniere: The Toilette

"Design for a Jardiniere: The Toilette" by Paul Gauguin (French, 1848-1903) is a compelling drawing executed in graphite on ivory laid paper. This work, dated between 1881 and 1892, reveals Gauguin’s deep and continuous engagement with applied arts and decorative design, a pursuit often overshadowed by his career as a painter. The classification as a preparatory drawing is reinforced by the highly specific technical execution: the paper is meticulously squared in graphite. This precise grid method confirms the drawing’s function as a working study intended for accurate scaling and transfer onto another medium, such as ceramic, metal, or wood, confirming its role as a blueprint for the planned jardiniere.

The subject matter, implied by the subtitle The Toilette, places this design within a traditional European artistic motif, depicting intimate scenes of women grooming or preparing themselves. Gauguin approached the composition with the simplified forms and bold contours that characterize his early transition toward Symbolism, adapting his aesthetic principles for a functional, three-dimensional object.

Created while the artist was working primarily in France, this piece offers crucial documentation of the multifaceted interests of the Post-Impressionist master, demonstrating his aspiration to blur the lines between fine art and decorative craftsmanship. The original sketch resides in the distinguished permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a significant example of Gauguin's preliminary design work from this period, high-quality prints and archival images of this study are widely accessible through public domain initiatives, ensuring broad appreciation for the preparatory stages of modern French art.