Three Studies of Men's Heads, One with Spectacles; Dogs, Children, and Two Bearded Men in Profile [verso]

The detailed drawing Three Studies of Men's Heads, One with Spectacles; Dogs, Children, and Two Bearded Men in Profile [verso] by Paul Gauguin, executed between 1884 and 1888, offers a fascinating glimpse into the artist's preparatory methods. Rendered in graphite on wove paper, the recto (front) features three distinct observational studies of male visages. One of the figures is specifically depicted wearing spectacles, capturing a specificity characteristic of observational portrait sketches during this era. This period, spanning 1876 to 1900, covers Gauguin’s crucial transition from the techniques of Impressionism toward the development of his own highly personalized Post-Impressionist style.

The inscription "[verso]" confirms the drawing's dual function. The reverse side documents a heterogeneous assortment of subjects: careful studies of dogs, quick sketches of children, and two additional profiles of bearded men. This practice of utilizing both sides of the paper underscores the functional and utilitarian nature of Gauguin’s working drawings, often serving as a visual notebook for ideas later incorporated into major compositions. As a leading figure in French art during the late 19th century, Gauguin frequently relied on such studies to practice form, master figurative representation, and hone the observational acuity necessary for the symbolic and spiritual visual language for which he would become internationally known.

This exceptional piece highlights Gauguin’s assured draftsmanship during a pivotal stage of his career, revealing an artist mastering conventional techniques while simultaneously seeking radical new aesthetic paths. The work, created during the rich artistic flowering of the French fin de siècle, provides essential context for understanding the development of modern drawing. This highly referenced example of Gauguin's work resides in the prestigious collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to its historical significance and placement in a major institutional collection, this artwork’s details and associated prints are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread scholarly access.