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"Neige" (Snow); Itinerary [recto]

Paul Gauguin

1886

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

"Neige" (Snow); Itinerary [recto] 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 sketchbook page mixes words and quick drawings. On the left, a messy list of French terms for drinks and food—like "absinthe" and "bouteille"—is scribbled in tight lines. The right side shows three tiny, rough faces, barely more than lines and smudges, with no clear features. The notes look like a shopping list or a quick reminder, while the faces feel like half-finished thoughts. Gauguin often used sketches like this to explore ideas before painting. Check out Impressionism to see how artists like Gauguin turned quick sketches into bigger works.

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