Four Studies of Breton Women; Shapes and Vases [verso]

The artwork, Four Studies of Breton Women; Shapes and Vases [verso], created by Paul Gauguin between 1884 and 1888, offers an intimate look into the artist's preparatory processes during a crucial phase of his career. Classified as a drawing, this piece utilizes graphite and crayon on wove paper, showcasing Gauguin’s developing interest in the simplification of form and emotional resonance. The work is characteristic of the French artistic output during the period spanning 1876 to 1900, when artists were increasingly turning away from Impressionism toward Symbolism and Synthetism.

The primary focus (recto) features four distinct studies of Breton Women, figures the artist frequently revisited after his move to Pont-Aven. These sketches served as crucial templates for later, iconic paintings, allowing Gauguin to experiment with the distinctive coiffes and traditional dress of the region. The varied application of crayon alongside graphite provides subtle degrees of depth and shadow, indicating an exploration of light and volume even in these preliminary sketches. Gauguin often used both sides of his paper to maximize resources; the verso, revealing Shapes and Vases, demonstrates the artist's simultaneous interest in still life and pure form, echoing the geometric sensibilities that would define his mature aesthetic.

This drawing captures Gauguin during his important transition from a conventional style to his pioneering Post-Impressionist methodology. The repetitive nature of the figure studies highlights his goal of distilling the human form into powerful, symbolic representations rather than simple likenesses. As an important example of preparatory work, the piece provides valuable insight into the genesis of the artist's iconic compositions from his time in Brittany. This significant work is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. As with many historical artworks of this period, the drawing is frequently documented and available for scholarly and educational use, with high-resolution images and related prints often derived from the public domain.