Eye and Part of Face; A Breton Woman and Two Men [recto] 1884 - 1888

Paul Gauguin's "Eye and Part of Face; A Breton Woman and Two Men" is a collection of sketches drawn in pencil on paper. Executed between 1884 and 1888, this small-scale work (6 5/8 x 8 15/16 in.) showcases Gauguin's interest in capturing the essence of human figures. The work's composition is divided into two parts. The left side features a close-up of a woman's eye and part of her face, likely a Breton woman, while the right side contains three sketches of individuals, perhaps men. Gauguin's use of loose, expressive lines and subtle shading creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy, offering a glimpse into his artistic process and observations of the people around him. This sketch is representative of Gauguin's interest in the people and culture of Brittany, a region in northwestern France.