Profile Bust of a Man c. 1870s

Paul Gauguin sketched this "Profile Bust of a Man" with graphite on paper at an unknown date. Gauguin, working in the late 19th century, was part of a generation grappling with rapid social changes and the decline of traditional values in Europe. This sketch offers an interesting look at portraiture. Consider what it meant to capture a likeness during a time of evolving identities. Gauguin, known for his later depictions of Polynesian life, often explored themes of the primitive and the exotic, reflecting a broader colonial gaze. What can this portrait, seemingly simple, tell us about Gauguin's perceptions of masculinity and identity? How does it fit into the larger narrative of European artists engaging with non-Western cultures and people? This bust compels us to consider the relationships between artist, subject, and viewer, especially when seen through the lens of cultural exchange and representation.