Little Breton Boy; A Pig and a Washerwoman [recto] 1884 - 1888

Paul Gauguin sketched "Little Breton Boy; A Pig and a Washerwoman" using pencil and crayon, presenting us with an intimate glimpse into rural life. The composition is divided into two distinct panels. On the left, we see a portrait of a young boy rendered with delicate lines and subtle coloring, evoking a sense of youthful innocence. The right panel contrasts this with quick sketches of a pig and washerwomen. The pig is formed of bold, confident strokes, capturing its mass and form with impressive economy, while the washerwomen are simply, yet effectively, conveying their labor. Gauguin's use of line is particularly striking. The sparse use of color and the raw texture of the paper emphasize the immediacy of the sketches. These combined elements challenge the traditional academic approach of painting and provide an insight into Gauguin’s interest in non-Western art forms and his experimentation with visual language. They present a study in form and function where the ordinary is elevated through artistic interpretation.