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Three Studies of Men's Heads, One with Spectacles; Dogs, Children, and Two Bearded Men in Profile [verso]

Paul Gauguin

1886

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Three Studies of Men's Heads, One with Spectacles; Dogs, Children, and Two Bearded Men in Profile [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 sketchbook page shows quick, loose drawings in pencil. On the left, a man’s face with glasses is drawn in profile, his hair and beard sketched in rough lines. Below him, a hat and a cane are barely outlined. On the right, three small figures—two children and a dog—are drawn in simple shapes, along with two more bearded men in profile. The drawings feel hurried, like notes jotted down fast. Gauguin often used sketchbooks to explore ideas before finishing a work. Next, look up Impressionism to see how artists used quick sketches like this.

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