Portrait of a Man c. 1880

Paul Gauguin's "Portrait of a Man" (c. 1880) is a striking oil on canvas portrait of an unknown man. Characterized by bold brushstrokes, the painting captures the subject in a contemplative mood, his gaze directed downward. The use of earthy tones and the man's weathered features evoke a sense of realism and perhaps a touch of melancholy. Gauguin's signature expressive style, evident in the thick impasto and simplified forms, is a departure from the more traditional portraiture of the 19th century. This artwork exemplifies Gauguin's transition towards a more personal and expressive style that would later become a defining characteristic of his art.