A Profile and Four Shapes; Sketch of a Man's Head [recto] 1884 - 1888

Editor: This graphite and pencil drawing, titled "A Profile and Four Shapes; Sketch of a Man's Head", was made by Paul Gauguin sometime between 1884 and 1888. It feels almost like two separate drawings sharing a page, a face juxtaposed with abstract forms and, on the other side, some words and numbers. What strikes you most about the way Gauguin uses the space here? Curator: Well, it's tempting to see this sheet as a document reflecting Gauguin's position within artistic and economic networks. This wasn't intended for public display. These are sketches, notes... perhaps even calculations of household expenses on the reverse? These visual and textual elements invite speculation about the circumstances of its creation and the potential relationship between Gauguin's art and his lived reality. How does this informal approach – almost a glimpse into his private thoughts – affect your perception of the work compared to a more polished painting? Editor: That's fascinating. It makes it feel more immediate, almost raw. Like we’re seeing a glimpse of the artist's everyday concerns, not just his artistic aspirations. I suppose it breaks down the image of the artist as separate from ordinary life. Curator: Exactly. And this challenges the established narratives about artistic genius, pushing us to consider the broader social and economic contexts that shaped even the most innovative figures of Post-Impressionism. What is genius if you are figuring out grocery costs next to the sketch of a man? Editor: It is more than just the finished painting; it's all these small details together. I will be more curious to know what else an artist does during the day, aside from painting. Thank you. Curator: Indeed, it opens avenues to think about the very act of sketching and notation as embedded in everyday life. I learned to keep that in mind as well.