Artwork
Landscape and Head of Man; Head of Monkey Inside a Square [recto]
![Landscape and Head of Man; Head of Monkey Inside a Square [recto], by Paul Gauguin, graphite, 1886](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--landscape-and-head-of-man-head-of-monkey-inside-a-square-rec--9db8c3f222a674c1-w1024.webp)
Landscape and Head of Man; Head of Monkey Inside a Square [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
This 1886 drawing by Paul Gauguin comprises two disparate sketches on a single sheet of wove paper, executed in graphite. One side depicts a rudimentary landscape with a man’s head, while the other features a more detailed monkey’s head enclosed in a square, surrounded by scribbled lines.
Subject & Meaning
The juxtaposition of a natural landscape with human and animal heads reflects Gauguin’s Post-Impressionist and Symbolist inclinations, moving beyond realism to integrate symbolic elements. The subjects may allude to the artist’s exploration of humanity, nature, and the primitive.
Technique & Style
Gauguin’s use of graphite on wove paper showcases his mastery of expressive line work and tonal range, from light to dark. The contrasting levels of detail between the two sketches highlight his experimental approach to form and composition during this period.
History & Provenance
Created in 1886, this work marks a transitional phase in Gauguin’s development, as he distanced his style from Impressionism towards a more distinct, symbolic visual language. Specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
This drawing was produced during Gauguin’s active experimentation with Post-Impressionism and Symbolism, alongside other artists seeking to break from naturalistic traditions. The piece embodies the era’s emphasis on emotional and symbolic expression.
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.
![Head of a Monkey; Inventory of Bottles and Beverages [verso], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--head-of-a-monkey-inventory-of-bottles-and-beverages-verso--0d4bb62a8bd056d4-w320.webp)
Head of a Monkey; Inventory of Bottles and Beverages [verso]![A Caricature and Five Forms; A Man in Profile, a Winged Creature and a Boy [verso], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--a-caricature-and-five-forms-a-man-in-profile-a-winged-creatu--ba33d39de90d54d7-w320.webp)
A Caricature and Five Forms; A Man in Profile, a Winged Creature and a Boy [verso]![Boy's Face; Two Sheep [verso], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--boy-s-face-two-sheep-verso--dc41a7e795977a82-w320.webp)
Boy's Face; Two Sheep [verso]![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)
Three Studies of Men's Heads, One with Spectacles; Dogs, Children, and Two Bearded Men in Profile [verso]![Five Sheep; Head of a Woman and Head of a Bearded Man [recto], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--five-sheep-head-of-a-woman-and-head-of-a-bearded-man-recto--b52e1d9f193e7f08-w320.webp)
Five Sheep; Head of a Woman and Head of a Bearded Man [recto]![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)
Studies of Jugs and Vases; A Man with Moustache and a Boy with a Hat [recto]![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)
Four Studies of Breton Women; Shapes and Vases [verso]
Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head