Artwork
A Caricature and Five Forms; A Man in Profile, a Winged Creature and a Boy [verso]
![A Caricature and Five Forms; A Man in Profile, a Winged Creature and a Boy [verso], by Paul Gauguin, graphite, 1886](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--a-caricature-and-five-forms-a-man-in-profile-a-winged-creatu--ba33d39de90d54d7-w1024.webp)
A Caricature and Five Forms; A Man in Profile, a Winged Creature and a Boy [verso] is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin. It dates from 1886 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This drawing on wove paper, created by Paul Gauguin in 1886, showcases the artist's experimental approach to graphite. The work is a double-sided sketch featuring disparate elements and loose, expressive lines.
Subject & Meaning
The recto side contains a caricature and various forms, while the verso features a man in profile, a winged creature, and a boy's face. Gauguin's annotations, such as 'armée en arme', suggest a playful or spontaneous intent behind the sketches.
Technique & Style
Gauguin's use of graphite on wove paper reveals his emphasis on expressive line work and quick gestural drawings. The loose, simple strokes and varied forms demonstrate his exploration of different techniques and styles.
Context
As a Post-Impressionist and Symbolist artist, Gauguin's work often pushed beyond traditional Impressionist methods. This drawing reflects his broader engagement with various mediums, including printmaking and drawing, alongside his painting practice.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
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