Artwork
Two Heads; Studies of Sheep [recto]
![Two Heads; Studies of Sheep [recto], by Paul Gauguin, ink, 1886](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--two-heads-studies-of-sheep-recto--d045b25e15a504f5-w1024.webp)
Two Heads; Studies of Sheep [recto] 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
Paul Gauguin’s 1886 drawing, titled Two Heads; Studies of Sheep (recto), is executed with pen, brown ink and graphite on a sheet of wove paper. The work combines quick portrait sketches of two heads with loose animal studies, presenting a compact study sheet that reflects the artist’s habit of juxtaposing human and animal forms in a single sheet of paper.
Subject & Meaning
The composition pairs two simplified facial studies—one gazing upward, the other turned slightly away—with a series of gestural sheep sketches. By placing human heads beside animal figures, Gauguin explores the relationship between figure and fauna, a recurring interest in his early period that hints at a broader investigation of natural and social subjects.
Technique & Style
Rendered with pen and brown ink, the drawing is reinforced by graphite shading that adds subtle tonal variation.
Rendered with pen and brown ink, the drawing is reinforced by graphite shading that adds subtle tonal variation. The lines are brisk and economical, suggesting movement rather than precise detail. The paper’s warm, yellowish tone and occasional dry ink patches contribute to a sketch‑like quality, characteristic of Gauguin’s rapid, exploratory drawing practice before he turned to more polished painting.
History & Provenance
Created during Gauguin’s formative years in France, the piece predates his later travels to Tahiti and the South Pacific. While specific ownership records are limited, the drawing is catalogued among his early studies, illustrating the developmental stage that led to his later synthetist experiments in color and form.
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.
![Eye and Part of Face; A Breton Woman and Two Men [recto], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--eye-and-part-of-face-a-breton-woman-and-two-men-recto--81c9125f35b9b9e6-w320.webp)
Eye and Part of Face; A Breton Woman and Two Men [recto]![Five Studies of Heads; A Boy in Profile with Studies of Hands and Feet [verso], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--five-studies-of-heads-a-boy-in-profile-with-studies-of-hands--71c9c87fde7c63ab-w320.webp)
Five Studies of Heads; A Boy in Profile with Studies of Hands and Feet [verso]![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)
A Man Leaning on a Wall with Five Other Studies; Two Bearded Men Wearing Hats, and Five Other Studies [recto]![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]![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)
A Breton Woman Walking; Sketch with Stairs [verso]![Man Playing Piano; Two Sheep [verso], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--man-playing-piano-two-sheep-verso--80f685776a7d92dd-w320.webp)
Man Playing Piano; Two Sheep [verso]