Head of a Cow [recto]

1884-1888

Paul Gauguin

Associated Names
Paul Gauguin

Artist, French, 1848 - 1903

This is a drawing of two animal profiles. It depicts simple, minimalistic renditions of two animal heads, likely mammals, drawn with delicate pencil lines on a plain background. The upper section shows a head with defined features such as the mouth and eyes. Below is the sketch of another animal, focusing on the head and ears. The use of negative space highlights the simplicity and focus on the line work, giving the sketches a spontaneous and unfinished quality.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    graphite on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    The Armand Hammer Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 16.9 x 11.3 cm (6 5/8 x 4 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1991.217.39.a

Associated Artworks

This is a drawing of a horse's head in two different poses. The sketch displays the profile of a horse's head drawn in a minimalist style with simple, flowing lines that capture the essence of the animal's structure and musculature. The horse’s head is drawn twice on the page, each representation focusing on different angles. The sketch includes key features like the eyes, nostrils, and outlines of the mane, rendered with light, swift strokes. The drawing emphasizes movement and form through its concise and expressive linework on a plain, unadorned background.

Two Cow's Heads [verso]

Paul Gauguin

1884

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Henri Mahaut, Cherbourg, purchased before World War I; Private Collection, USA; Armand Hammer Collection, Los Angeles, 1967; gift to NGA 1991.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1988

  • The Art of Paul Gauguin, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1988, p. 63.

Bibliography

1964

  • Bodelson, Merete, Gauguin's Ceramics, A Study in the Development of his Art, London, 1964, pp. 38, 42, fig. 25 (verso only).

Wikidata ID

Q64618973

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