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Breton Boy Tending Geese; Cows and a Figure Leaning on a Ledge [verso]

Paul Gauguin

1886

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Breton Boy Tending Geese; Cows and a Figure Leaning on a Ledge [verso] is a 1886 graphite by Paul Gauguin, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Paul Gauguin
When & what style?: 1886 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a boy in a loose, flowing shirt and hat, walking with one hand in his pocket. His face is simple but expressive, with a hint of a smile. The lines are quick and rough, like a fast drawing. On the back of the paper, there’s a quick sketch of cows and a person leaning on a ledge. The artist didn’t erase mistakes—just kept drawing over them. Next, check out Impressionism to see how artists used loose lines and quick sketches like this.

About the artist

Artist

Paul Gauguin

Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin (; French: ; 7 June 1848 – 8 May 1903) was a French painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramist, and writer, whose work has been primarily associated with the Post-Impressionist and Symbolist movements.

See the richer artist page