Who painted Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head?

Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head was painted by Paul Gauguin in 1886.

Where can I see Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head?

Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head?

Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head

Paul Gauguin , 1886

Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head is an ink 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

Seated Figure and a Cow; Three Studies of a Child's Head is a dual-sided drawing on sketchbook end paper, created in 1886. It features a seated figure with a cow on one side, and three child's head studies on the other, executed in graphite, pen, and brown ink.

Subject & Meaning

The subject matter contrasts a serene, if awkwardly posed, human and animal pair with intimate, expressive studies of a child. These juxtaposed elements reflect the artist's exploratory phase, balancing observation with a growing interest in expressive, non-realistic representation.

Technique & Style

Characterized by quick, economical lines, the drawing showcases hasty, rough execution with noticeable shakiness. Cross-hatching techniques are employed to suggest shading, while the simple, expressive lines for the child's heads hint at a move towards more symbolic forms.

History & Provenance

Created in 1886, this work marks an early point in Paul Gauguin's transition from Impressionism towards Post-Impressionism, preceding his development of Synthetist style. Handwritten annotations, including 'Copenhagen' and unspecified numbers, provide contextual clues.

Context

Within Gauguin's oeuvre, this piece sits at a pivotal moment of stylistic shift, away from optical realism and towards more expressive, symbolic art. It reflects his experimentation across media during this period.

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.