Who painted Head of a Bearded Man with a Head of a Dog [recto]?

Head of a Bearded Man with a Head of a Dog [recto] was painted by Paul Gauguin in 1886.

Where can I see Head of a Bearded Man with a Head of a Dog [recto]?

Head of a Bearded Man with a Head of a Dog [recto] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Head of a Bearded Man with a Head of a Dog [recto]?

Head of a Bearded Man with a Head of a Dog [recto] is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Head of a Bearded Man with a Head of a Dog [recto]

Paul Gauguin , 1886

Head of a Bearded Man with a Head of a Dog [recto] 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

Paul Gauguin’s 1886 drawing, rendered in graphite on wove paper, presents a juxtaposition of a bearded male head and a small dog’s head. Executed as a rapid, gestural sketch, the work exemplifies the artist’s departure from conventional Impressionist subjects, hinting at the symbolic and experimental direction his practice would later pursue.

Subject & Meaning

The composition pairs a contemplative, bearded figure, chin resting on a hand, with a diminutive canine looking upward, one paw lifted. The stark contrast between the human and animal forms suggests a playful exploration of identity and the relationship between man and nature, themes that recur in Gauguin’s early symbolic investigations.

Technique & Style

Using plain graphite, Gauguin employs loose, swift strokes that prioritize outline and tonal suggestion over detail. The paper’s smooth surface allows for clean, unmodulated lines, creating a sketch‑like quality that emphasizes the drawing’s immediacy and experimental character, aligning with the broader shift toward Symbolist aesthetics.

History & Provenance

Created during a period when Gauguin was transitioning from Impressionist influences toward Symbolism, the drawing reflects his interest in unconventional imagery. While specific ownership records are limited, the work forms part of Gauguin’s early graphic output, documenting his evolving artistic concerns prior to his later tropical voyages.

Artist & collection

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.