Who painted Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head?

Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head was painted by Paul Gauguin in 1886.

Where can I see Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head?

Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head?

Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head?

Museum-quality prints of Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head

Paul Gauguin , 1886

Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head is an ink drawing by the Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin. It dates from 1886 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:on sketchbook cover, upper center in brown ink: No 16; various notations on end papers; on sticker on front end paper, upper left stamped: LEON DESHAYS / Papetrie & Librarie / Rue Beauvoisine, 9 / IMPRIMERIE / Rue des Carnes, 58 / ROUEN

About this work

Overview

Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head is a dual-sided drawing on sketchbook end paper, created in 1886. It features a seated figure with a cow on one side, and three child's head studies on the other, executed in graphite, pen, and brown ink.

Subject & Meaning

The subject matter contrasts a serene, if awkwardly posed, human and animal pair with intimate, expressive studies of a child. These juxtaposed elements reflect the artist's exploratory phase, balancing observation with a growing interest in expressive, non-realistic representation.

Technique & Style

Characterized by quick, economical lines, the drawing showcases hasty, rough execution with noticeable shakiness. Cross-hatching techniques are employed to suggest shading, while the simple, expressive lines for the child's heads hint at a move towards more symbolic forms.

History & Provenance

Created in 1886, this work marks an early point in Paul Gauguin's transition from Impressionism towards Post-Impressionism, preceding his development of Synthetist style. Handwritten annotations, including 'Copenhagen' and unspecified numbers, provide contextual clues.

Context

Within Gauguin's oeuvre, this piece sits at a pivotal moment of stylistic shift, away from optical realism and towards more expressive, symbolic art. It reflects his experimentation across media during this period.

Two Figures and a Bench; Three Studies of Men's Heads and One of a Hand [recto], Paul Gauguin

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Artist & collection

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.