Head of a Man with a Study of His Back; Various Sketches with a Peasant Woman and a Goose [recto] 1884 - 1888

Curator: At first glance, this work seems like an exercise in capturing fleeting moments, perhaps a glimpse into Gauguin's thought process? Editor: It strikes me as raw and unrefined. There's a certain energy in the rapid lines, like catching a thought before it disappears. This double-sided pencil drawing, titled "Head of a Man with a Study of His Back; Various Sketches with a Peasant Woman and a Goose [recto]" by Paul Gauguin, was sketched between 1884 and 1888. The composition's division creates an intriguing juxtaposition of portraits and figurative sketches. Curator: Yes, observe how the light is distributed—uneven and almost haphazard, giving greater emphasis to the details that capture Gauguin's interest, especially facial profiles. The artist isn't trying to convey objective truth, so we look deeper. We are clearly dealing with process. There are three images on the left-hand side: the head and partial torso in profile (upper); the profile with neck (middle); and the full face with the slight shoulders below. On the right panel are other subjects. Editor: I am especially curious about this figure accompanied by a goose. The placement seems significant, especially alongside the other studies. The goose itself has deep roots as a symbol of vigilance, but also can imply folly or foolishness, depending on the context. Perhaps Gauguin sees this reflected in those he is studying or maybe this reflects what he is exploring within himself as an artist. Curator: Well, this division allows us to study two independent but still interacting spaces. The figures on either side do not bleed onto each other, though are linked via the framing and execution on the paper. This adds depth to the meaning; is Gauguin suggesting that these types of image styles or symbols can operate in completely distinct ways? Are these contrasts related? Editor: These are intriguing questions! For me, Gauguin's raw handling evokes a feeling of intimacy with the artist. Curator: Indeed. Gauguin's approach reveals not just what he sees, but how he sees. Editor: Thank you for sharing this piece from an analytical point of view, while I can appreciate the symbols and visual imagery and what they communicate through time.