Sketches of Crouching and Standing Figures, a Pig, and a Hut at Water’s Edge

"Sketches of Crouching and Standing Figures, a Pig, and a Hut at Water’s Edge" by Paul Gauguin French, 1848-1903, is a significant drawing created in 1891. This exploratory work, originally removed from a sketchbook, was executed using graphite and watercolor on cream wove paper, which has since discolored to a tan hue. The combination of mediums reflects Gauguin’s practice of rapidly recording observations and generating compositional ideas before committing to larger paintings. The delicate application of watercolor washes defines volume and atmosphere, while the graphite provides sharp, immediate structural lines.

The year 1891 marks the start of Gauguin’s first transformative journey to Tahiti, making this sketch crucial for understanding his evolving artistic vision. The subject matter captures elements of island life, combining domestic figures and architecture—specifically a rudimentary hut and a pig—set against a backdrop of water. These motifs became central to the artist's Post-Impressionist output, characterizing his deliberate move away from the academic traditions of France toward a perceived cultural primitivism.

As a preparatory drawing, the piece illustrates Gauguin’s method of studying form and motion, evidenced by the multiple variations of the crouching and standing figures. Such studies were often refined for subsequent prints or major canvases featuring Tahitian subjects. This intimate glimpse into the working process of the artist is preserved within the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering scholars and enthusiasts a direct connection to Gauguin’s early interpretations of South Pacific culture.