Who painted Two Marquesans [verso]?

Two Marquesans [verso] was painted by Paul Gauguin in 1902.

Where can I see Two Marquesans [verso]?

Two Marquesans [verso] is held by National Gallery of Art.

Can I buy a print of Two Marquesans [verso]?

Museum-quality prints of Two Marquesans [verso] are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Two Marquesans [verso]

Paul Gauguin , 1902

Two Marquesans [verso] is a graphite print by Paul Gauguin. It dates from 1902 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1902, *Two Marquesans [verso]* is a small study executed in pencil and crayon. The work belongs to Paul Gauguin’s late Polynesian period, when he produced numerous informal sketches of island inhabitants. It records a brief, gestural observation rather than a finished composition, and it survives as a single sheet of lightly toned paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts two figures in profile, each rendered with minimal line work. One figure wears a necklace with a pendant, while the other sports a simple headband, suggesting personal adornments typical of Marquesan culture. Gauguin’s focus on silhouette and gesture hints at his interest in the essential character of his subjects rather than detailed portraiture.

Technique & Style

This approach aligns with his broader experimentation with simplified forms and a departure from the meticulous detail of earlier academic drawing.

Using a combination of graphite and colored crayon, Gauguin applied quick, loose strokes to suggest facial features, hair, and clothing. The emphasis lies on overall shape and tonal contrast; smudged areas and light shading convey volume without precise rendering. This approach aligns with his broader experimentation with simplified forms and a departure from the meticulous detail of earlier academic drawing.

History & Provenance

The sketch is part of a series made during Gauguin’s residence in the Marquesas Islands, where he spent his final years documenting local life. It remained in his personal collection before entering the museum’s holdings through a mid‑20th‑century acquisition, where it is now displayed alongside other Polynesian studies.

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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.