Five Studies of Heads; A Boy in Profile with Studies of Hands and Feet [verso]

Five Studies of Heads; A Boy in Profile with Studies of Hands and Feet [verso] is a significant drawing created by Paul Gauguin between 1884 and 1888. This piece exemplifies the rigorous draftsmanship common during the French artistic period spanning 1876 to 1900, a crucial era when Gauguin was actively transitioning from the principles of Impressionism toward the development of his distinctive Synthetist style. The work provides important insight into the academic foundations underlying the highly stylized compositions that would define his later career.

Classified technically as a drawing, the work utilizes pen and brown ink combined meticulously with graphite applied to wove paper. The sheet presents multiple distinct studies of human anatomy, typical of an artist engaged in foundational exercises to explore form and compositional elements. The recto side focuses primarily on the five studies of heads, which serve as rapid preparatory sketches, capturing momentary expressions and potential character types. These studies reveal Gauguin’s interest in physiognomy and character development.

The reverse side, indicated by the [verso] designation, features detailed observational renderings of a boy shown in profile, along with precise studies of hands and feet. Gauguin’s meticulous attention to these anatomical details demonstrates his methodical approach during the mid-1880s, a period marked by intense collaboration and artistic exploration alongside contemporaries. Created before his decisive move to Pont-Aven and later to the South Pacific, this work is instrumental in tracing the artistic evolution of the French master. This rare, double-sided sheet is preserved in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a major drawing from this transformative period, high-quality images and prints of this Gauguin work are increasingly made available within the public domain for research and scholarly study.