Artwork
Figure Studies; Studies of Soldiers [verso]
![Figure Studies; Studies of Soldiers [verso], by Paul Gauguin, crayon, 1886](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--figure-studies-studies-of-soldiers-verso--91eae8279e0a44e1-w1024.webp)
Figure Studies; Studies of Soldiers [verso] is a crayon 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
Figure Studies; Studies of Soldiers [verso] is a 1886 drawing by Paul Gauguin, created with crayon on wove paper. It features a collection of preparatory sketches.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts various human figures, including soldiers, in different poses and movements. The focus is on capturing body shapes, clothing, and posture, rather than detailed representations.
Technique & Style
Gauguin's use of crayon on wove paper results in loose, expressive lines that convey a sense of movement and spontaneity. The simple strokes and rough texture of the drawing emphasize the artist's interest in capturing the essence of the figures rather than precise details.
Context
As a Post-Impressionist and Symbolist artist, Gauguin's work often explored new ways of representing reality. This drawing reflects his experimental approach to art, focusing on everyday subjects and using unconventional techniques.
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.








![Five Studies of Soldiers and a Woman's Face; Two Figures [recto], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--five-studies-of-soldiers-and-a-woman-s-face-two-figures-rect--9d09632e7e517067-w320.webp)
![Soldiers; Four Soldiers and a Seated Figure [verso], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--soldiers-four-soldiers-and-a-seated-figure-verso--03eb26713f1552e4-w320.webp)
![A Man Leaning on a Wall with Five Other Studies; Two Bearded Men Wearing Hats, and Five Other Studies [recto], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--a-man-leaning-on-a-wall-with-five-other-studies-two-bearded--2df262058c2bfe48-w320.webp)
![Three Studies of Men's Heads, One with Spectacles; Dogs, Children, and Two Bearded Men in Profile [verso], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--three-studies-of-men-s-heads-one-with-spectacles-dogs-childr--5397d62ca5c9a48b-w320.webp)
![A Breton Woman Walking; Sketch with Stairs [verso], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--a-breton-woman-walking-sketch-with-stairs-verso--5957dfa28320cc03-w320.webp)
![Group of Human Forms; A Man Seated [recto], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--group-of-human-forms-a-man-seated-recto--4584f2f2117fc923-w320.webp)
![Studies of Jugs and Vases; A Man with Moustache and a Boy with a Hat [recto], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--studies-of-jugs-and-vases-a-man-with-moustache-and-a-boy-wit--f45745e972a40252-w320.webp)
![Three Studies of a Man Wearing a Hat [recto], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--three-studies-of-a-man-wearing-a-hat-recto--1337f9984d88798b-w320.webp)
![Four Studies of Breton Women; Shapes and Vases [verso], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--four-studies-of-breton-women-shapes-and-vases-verso--9d4d602e9c3e8bff-w320.webp)