Head of a Monkey; Inventory of Bottles and Beverages [verso]

The double-sided drawing, Head of a Monkey; Inventory of Bottles and Beverages [verso], created by Paul Gauguin between 1884 and 1888, is a highly illustrative example of the artist’s preparatory and observational studies during a pivotal phase of his career. Classified as a drawing, the work utilizes a rich combination of media including graphite, crayon, and pen and brown ink applied directly to wove paper. The recto features the detailed rendering of a monkey’s head, executed with a keen eye for form and texture. This observational study reflects the French artistic trends of the late 19th century, particularly the focus on naturalism and non-traditional portraiture common within the period spanning 1876 to 1900.

The reverse side offers a stark contrast to the primate portrait. Titled Inventory of Bottles and Beverages [verso], this sketch depicts a collection of practical, seemingly mundane lists or outlines related to domestic supplies. This duality is characteristic of Gauguin’s resourcefulness; as an artist often struggling with financial constraints during his transition away from Impressionism, he frequently repurposed sheets for unrelated studies, maximizing material use. The juxtaposition of a detailed zoological study on one side and an intimate inventory on the other offers profound insight into the duality of Gauguin's life as both a dedicated observational artist and a domestic figure.

This observational drawing demonstrates the technical fluidity Gauguin sought to achieve, especially in his quick application of pen and brown ink alongside softer crayon marks. This piece resides within the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a key document charting Gauguin’s development prior to his major Symbolist breakthroughs, the work highlights his foundational skills in drawing. While the original remains a fragile artifact, high-quality images and sometimes downloadable prints of works from this era are often made accessible to researchers and the general public through public domain initiatives.