Three Studies of a Man Wearing a Hat 1884 - 1888

Editor: Here we have Paul Gauguin's "Three Studies of a Man Wearing a Hat," created sometime between 1884 and 1888. It's a pencil drawing, and the repetition of the figure gives it a rather fragmented feel. What do you see in this piece, beyond just studies of a man? Curator: I see a search for identity, played out through the very symbolic act of portraying the self – or perhaps, portraying a model *as* the self – repeatedly. Consider the hat; it’s a potent signifier. What does a hat *do*? It changes your appearance. Editor: So, you're saying that by focusing on the hat, Gauguin is hinting at ideas of disguise or maybe even transformation? Curator: Precisely! In many cultures, head coverings symbolize status, occupation, or even hidden beliefs. Gauguin, especially later in his career, was deeply interested in exploring cultural symbolism, wasn’t he? The choice of portraying the same figure multiple times also suggests a fractured self, exploring different facets of personality or perhaps even different possible futures. Do you find each sketch conveys a slightly different feeling? Editor: I think the one on the bottom, with the clearest facial features, seems more assertive than the others. Curator: And does that assertive quality alter how you perceive the hat itself? It's no longer just headgear but a deliberate statement, part of crafting a very specific visual message about that person. Think about the stories told with repeated imagery. The multiple panels help to emphasize transformation over time and provide varied contexts to study the meaning of objects in relation to ourselves and our position in society. Editor: I see it differently now, it isn’t just a practice sketch but a study of persona. Curator: Indeed! These studies provide valuable clues into Gauguin's own self-perception during that time and foreshadow his later fascination with layering cultural signifiers. Editor: It’s amazing how a simple hat and a few sketches can be so rich with meaning. Curator: The most profound statements are frequently whispered.