Seated Breton Woman

Seated Breton Woman, created by Paul Gauguin French, 1848-1903, in 1886, is a key early drawing that foreshadows the artist’s profound shift toward Symbolism and Synthetism. The work was produced during Gauguin’s first extended sojourn in Pont-Aven, Brittany, France, a region he repeatedly visited seeking subjects outside of Parisian modernity.

The drawing is executed using black fabricated chalk combined with pastel on ivory laid paper, showcasing Gauguin’s developing interest in uniting stark, linear structure with expressive color. The medium allows for the dynamic interplay between the strong, defined contours of the figure and the softer texture provided by the pastel highlights. The subject is a local woman rendered in typical regional costume, a motif that became central to Gauguin’s exploration of folk culture and tradition during this decisive period of his career.

Unlike his later, more abstract canvases, this depiction retains a powerful sense of naturalism and volumetric form. Gauguin focused heavily on capturing the introspective mood and sturdy presence of the sitter, reflecting his fascination with communities he viewed as authentic and unspoiled. This practice of isolating figures became a foundation for his post-Impressionist compositions.

This important drawing is preserved in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. While the original physical artwork is restricted due to its delicate nature, high-quality digital reproductions are frequently made available through educational initiatives. Art scholars and students utilize these resources globally, where digital versions of the work are sometimes found among public domain art collections, facilitating access to prints and academic study of Gauguin’s foundational works.