Artwork
Circles and Numbers; Self-Portrait [recto]
![Circles and Numbers; Self-Portrait [recto], by Paul Gauguin, graphite, 1885](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--circles-and-numbers-self-portrait-recto--eb34e4166c5283f1-w1024.webp)
Circles and Numbers; Self-Portrait [recto] is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
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- Inscribed:notations overall
About this work
Overview
Circles and Numbers; Self-Portrait [recto] is a mixed-media drawing by Paul Gauguin, executed in crayon and graphite on wove paper circa 1885. The work's recto features a self-portrait, while the verso presents geometric and numerical studies.
Subject & Meaning
The self-portrait depicts Gauguin in a contemplative pose, characterized by short, dark lines rendering his head and shoulders. The adjacent circles and numbers suggest an exploratory or technical study, potentially informing his broader artistic investigations.
Technique & Style
Gauguin's use of crayon and graphite on wove paper demonstrates his experimental approach, aligning with his Post-Impressionist and Synthetist tendencies. The contrast between the expressive portrait and the abstract, numerical verso highlights his multifaceted creative process.
History & Provenance
Created around 1885, this work reflects Gauguin's period of intense artistic innovation. Provenance details are not specified, though its existence attests to Gauguin's prolific output during this time.
Context
This drawing situates itself within Gauguin's broader experimentation with form, color, and symbolism during the late 19th century. It shares thematic and technical parallels with his contemporaneous paintings and drawings.
Legacy
As part of Gauguin's oeuvre, Circles and Numbers; Self-Portrait contributes to the understanding of his artistic evolution and the development of Post-Impressionism and Symbolism. Its unique composition reflects the era's push against traditional representational art.
![Trees; Sketch of Breton Boy [verso]](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--trees-sketch-of-breton-boy-verso--ffac7faa10ac7e52-w320.webp)
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Artist & collection
Artist
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.
- Trees; Sketch of Breton Boy [verso]
Self-Portrait
Untitled![A Caricature and Five Forms; A Man in Profile, a Winged Creature and a Boy [verso], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--a-caricature-and-five-forms-a-man-in-profile-a-winged-creatu--ba33d39de90d54d7-w320.webp)
A Caricature and Five Forms; A Man in Profile, a Winged Creature and a Boy [verso]![Landscape and Head of Man; Head of Monkey Inside a Square [recto], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--landscape-and-head-of-man-head-of-monkey-inside-a-square-rec--9db8c3f222a674c1-w320.webp)
Landscape and Head of Man; Head of Monkey Inside a Square [recto]![A Grazing Cow; Head of a Woman with Her Hand on Her Cheek, and Head of a Man with His Hand on His Ear [verso], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--a-grazing-cow-head-of-a-woman-with-her-hand-on-her-cheek-and--634600a51135ea0b-w320.webp)
A Grazing Cow; Head of a Woman with Her Hand on Her Cheek, and Head of a Man with His Hand on His Ear [verso]![Five Sheep; Head of a Woman and Head of a Bearded Man [recto], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--five-sheep-head-of-a-woman-and-head-of-a-bearded-man-recto--b52e1d9f193e7f08-w320.webp)
Five Sheep; Head of a Woman and Head of a Bearded Man [recto]![Head of a Man with a Study of His Back; Various Sketches with a Peasant Woman and a Goose [recto], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--head-of-a-man-with-a-study-of-his-back-various-sketches-with--2fa4d0cd45c52509-w320.webp)
Head of a Man with a Study of His Back; Various Sketches with a Peasant Woman and a Goose [recto]![Five Sheep; Four Head Studies [verso], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--five-sheep-four-head-studies-verso--c7b13148bfdbb0ae-w320.webp)
Five Sheep; Four Head Studies [verso]![Two Figures and a Bench; Three Studies of Men's Heads and One of a Hand [recto], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--two-figures-and-a-bench-three-studies-of-men-s-heads-and-one--b308c9e6d9f9cfa9-w320.webp)
Two Figures and a Bench; Three Studies of Men's Heads and One of a Hand [recto]![Profile of a Boy and Self-Portrait [recto], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--profile-of-a-boy-and-self-portrait-recto--02ac582038ff6ec2-w320.webp)
Profile of a Boy and Self-Portrait [recto]
Sketch of a Blacksmith