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Studies of a Cow [verso]

Paul Gauguin

1886

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Studies of a Cow [verso] 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 sketch shows two cows drawn in quick, loose lines. The paper is light-colored, and the graphite looks soft and smudged in spots. One cow is standing, its legs slightly bent, while the other lies down, its body curved. These drawings aren’t polished—they’re fast studies, like notes from life. Gauguin often worked this way, scribbling ideas before finishing them. The lines feel almost like a doodle, but with purpose. Next, look up Gauguin, Paul to see how his sketches turned into bold paintings.

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