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Five Studies of Soldiers and a Woman's Face; Two Figures [recto]

Paul Gauguin

1886

crayon

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Five Studies of Soldiers and a Woman's Face; Two Figures [recto] is a 1886 crayon 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 quick, loose drawings of two soldiers and a woman’s face. The lines are rough, almost like hurried notes. One soldier stands with his back to us, the other faces sideways, and the woman’s face appears twice—once alone, once tucked into the bottom left. The artist used crayon on paper, keeping it simple and sketchy. These aren’t polished portraits—they’re fast studies, maybe for a bigger work. Next, check out Impressionism to see how artists like this used quick, sketchy lines.