Artwork

Group of Human Forms; A Man Seated [recto]

Group of Human Forms; A Man Seated [recto], by Paul Gauguin, crayon, 1886
Group of Human Forms; A Man Seated [recto], by Paul Gauguin, crayon, 1886

Group of Human Forms; A Man Seated [recto] 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

Group of Human Forms; A Man Seated is a crayon drawing on wove paper created by Paul Gauguin in 1886, exemplifying his shift beyond Impressionist boundaries.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing features simplified, expressive human figures, emphasizing form and line in a way that conveys emotional depth and psychological introspection, characteristic of Gauguin's exploration of Symbolism.

Technique & Style

Gauguin's use of crayon on wove paper in this work showcases his evolving Post-Impressionist and Symbolist style, marked by bold, expressive lines and simplified forms that deviate from the detailed realism of Impressionism.

History & Provenance

Created in 1886, the piece is part of Gauguin's body of works on paper from this period, reflecting his transitional phase towards more expressive and symbolic artistic expressions.

Context

This drawing was produced during a pivotal moment in Gauguin's career, as he was distancing himself from Impressionist techniques and embracing the more expressive qualities of Post-Impressionism and Symbolism, influenced by his interests in folk art and non-Western cultures.

Legacy

Group of Human Forms; A Man Seated contributes to Gauguin's legacy as a pioneer of Post-Impressionism and Symbolism, influencing subsequent artists with its innovative use of line, form, and emotional expression.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Paul Gauguin

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.