Manuscript Pages [recto] 1884 - 1888

Here we see Paul Gauguin’s "Manuscript Pages," undated, created with pen and ink. At first glance, you’re struck by the density of the writing, divided into two framed sections, evoking a sense of personal musings or theoretical exploration. The texture created by the handwritten script offers a glimpse into the artist's thought process. Gauguin, known for his Post-Impressionist paintings, uses the structure of language here to explore his ideas on art and color. This manuscript reveals Gauguin's structural approach to color theory, breaking down color into quantifiable units akin to musical notes, an idea he further explores with his use of the phrase "coupons entrant". The division of the page into two parts suggests a comparative analysis, a structure that allows him to dissect and examine his concepts methodically. Ultimately, the formal quality of the handwriting itself—its rhythm and flow—mirrors the artistic process, suggesting that the act of writing is akin to painting, both being forms of expression rooted in structure and composition.