Artwork
Four Studies of Breton Women; Shapes and Vases [verso]
![Four Studies of Breton Women; Shapes and Vases [verso], by Paul Gauguin, graphite, 1886](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--four-studies-of-breton-women-shapes-and-vases-verso--9d4d602e9c3e8bff-w1024.webp)
Four Studies of Breton Women; Shapes and Vases [verso] is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin. It dates from 1886 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This drawing, created in 1886, is a sketchbook page featuring graphite and crayon on wove paper.
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- Inscribed:notations overall
About this work
Overview
This drawing, created in 1886, is a sketchbook page featuring graphite and crayon on wove paper. It showcases the artist's experimental approach to representation and form.
Subject & Meaning
The work includes three studies of Breton women's heads and shoulders, as well as abstract shapes and forms, some labeled with descriptive notes in French. These studies reflect the artist's interest in rural life and traditional dress.
Technique & Style
The drawings are characterized by loose, quick lines and simple forms, suggesting a spontaneous and exploratory approach to representation. The use of graphite and crayon on wove paper allows for a range of tonal values and textures.
Context
Created during the artist's early years, this work reflects his association with Post-Impressionist and Symbolist movements, which emphasized bold color and simplified forms.
![Eye and Part of Face; A Breton Woman and Two Men [recto]](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--eye-and-part-of-face-a-breton-woman-and-two-men-recto--81c9125f35b9b9e6-w320.webp)
Own this work as a print
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.
![Studies of Jugs and Vases; A Man with Moustache and a Boy with a Hat [recto], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--studies-of-jugs-and-vases-a-man-with-moustache-and-a-boy-wit--f45745e972a40252-w320.webp)
Studies of Jugs and Vases; A Man with Moustache and a Boy with a Hat [recto]![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]![Three Studies of Men's Heads, One with Spectacles; Dogs, Children, and Two Bearded Men in Profile [verso], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--three-studies-of-men-s-heads-one-with-spectacles-dogs-childr--5397d62ca5c9a48b-w320.webp)
Three Studies of Men's Heads, One with Spectacles; Dogs, Children, and Two Bearded Men in Profile [verso]![A Man Leaning on a Wall with Five Other Studies; Two Bearded Men Wearing Hats, and Five Other Studies [recto], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--a-man-leaning-on-a-wall-with-five-other-studies-two-bearded--2df262058c2bfe48-w320.webp)
A Man Leaning on a Wall with Five Other Studies; Two Bearded Men Wearing Hats, and Five Other Studies [recto]
Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head![Five Studies of Soldiers and a Woman's Face; Two Figures [recto], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--five-studies-of-soldiers-and-a-woman-s-face-two-figures-rect--9d09632e7e517067-w320.webp)
Five Studies of Soldiers and a Woman's Face; Two Figures [recto]![Figure Studies; Studies of Soldiers [verso], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--figure-studies-studies-of-soldiers-verso--91eae8279e0a44e1-w320.webp)
Figure Studies; Studies of Soldiers [verso]