Emile Gauguin (1874–1955), the artist's son

Paul Gauguin

ca. 1877–78 · Marble · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This portrait of Gauguin's young son Emile was made at the outset of the artist's career, under the tutelage of his landlord, the academic sculptor Jules-Ernest Bouillot. It was the only sculpture included in the fourth Impressionist exhibition in 1879, where it was praised as "a charming little [piece]...which attracted the interest of the public." Gauguin's emerging talent is evident in the handling of Emile's chubby cheeks and delicate curls. However, after making this likeness Gauguin gave up working in marble for more informal, and less expensive, materials, such as clay and wood.

Artist

Paul Gauguin

Date

ca. 1877–78

Medium

Marble

Culture

French

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of the Joseph M. May Memorial Association Inc., 1963