Soldiers; Four Soldiers and a Seated Figure [verso]

The drawing, Soldiers; Four Soldiers and a Seated Figure [verso], by Paul Gauguin, is a compelling study executed in crayon on wove paper. Created between 1884 and 1888, this piece documents Gauguin’s figurative investigations during a crucial transitional period of his career, preceding his eventual move toward Symbolism. The classification of the work as a drawing emphasizes its preliminary or exploratory function, allowing Gauguin to focus intensely on composition, line, and mass rather than on the color-saturated techniques that would define his later work.

The subject matter, depicted using the subtle yet expressive possibilities of crayon on wove paper, showcases a grouping of soldiers, perhaps military studies or observations of everyday life in France. The title also refers to a study of a seated figure found on the reverse side (verso), suggesting the artist utilized the sheet efficiently for compositional experiments. This detailed scrutiny of human figures places the work firmly within the stylistic parameters of the late French period of 1876 to 1900, when artists were seeking new ways to capture form and psychological intensity outside of strict academic tradition.

This preparatory drawing offers essential context for understanding the artistic trajectory of Gauguin as he developed beyond his initial ties to Impressionism. The drawing technique reveals a focus on contours and shading, utilizing the texture of the wove paper to create definition and depth in the figures.

As a key example of the artist’s output during this era, the drawing resides in the distinguished collection of the National Gallery of Art. Such historical works, documenting the evolution of a master like Gauguin, are highly valued. Furthermore, the accessibility of art from this period, including works designated as public domain, ensures that high-quality prints and research materials related to this foundational period of modern French art remain widely available to scholars and the public.