Studies of Jugs and Vases; A Man with Moustache and a Boy with a Hat [recto]

Studies of Jugs and Vases; A Man with Moustache and a Boy with a Hat [recto] is a detailed drawing by Paul Gauguin, executed between 1884 and 1888. This dual-subject work, classified simply as a drawing, features both preparatory still life compositions and intimate figural studies on a single sheet of wove paper, utilizing graphite and crayon. The composition is divided: the upper and central portions feature careful renderings of ceramic vessels, including elegant vases and sturdy jugs, while the lower section includes two distinct portrait studies-the likeness of a man with a prominent moustache and a separate sketch of a young boy wearing a hat.

Created during the period 1876 to 1900, this drawing reflects Gauguin's early commitment to formal studies necessary for his transition into a professional artistic career. The careful articulation of volumes and the effective use of hatching to define light and shadow on the vessels demonstrate Gauguin’s dedication to mastering traditional academic techniques. During this foundational stage, before his eventual shift toward Symbolism, the French artist focused heavily on draftsmanship, using subjects readily available in his immediate environment.

The juxtaposition of still life and portraiture suggests that Gauguin was diligently refining his visual lexicon by practicing multiple genres simultaneously. The drawing provides insight into the rigorous practice of the artist during the mid-1880s. This significant example of Gauguin's early work resides in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to its age and historical context, high-resolution prints and images of this important French drawing are widely available, contributing to the accessible legacy of great art now considered within the public domain.