1888
pastel
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Seated Nude Seen from Above is a 1888 pastel by Paul Gauguin, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This drawing shows a person sitting with their back to us, arms resting on their knees. Their hair is pulled back, and they’re naked except for a small cloth draped over one arm. The colors are mostly soft yellows and greens, with quick, sketchy lines. The artist used pastel on yellow paper, which makes the colors look warm and slightly fuzzy. This style hides some details but keeps the shapes loose and natural. Next, check out how pastel works—it’s a soft chalky medium that lets artists blend colors smoothly.
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
