Bust of a Young Breton Woman (Possibly Marie Lagadu) 1886 - 1888

Paul Gauguin's "Bust of a Young Breton Woman (Possibly Marie Lagadu)" is a graphite drawing created between 1886 and 1888. This intimate portrait showcases Gauguin's interest in the people of Brittany, a region in northwestern France. The delicate lines and subtle shading of the drawing capture the subject's simple beauty and dignified expression, highlighting Gauguin's stylistic approach during his early years in Pont-Aven. The work, currently housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to Gauguin's exploration of regional identity and the human form.