Head of a Cow [recto]

Paul Gauguin

National Gallery of Art

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.