Vincent van Gogh painted Sower with Setting Sun in June 1888 near Arles, France. As a post-impressionist painter, Van Gogh was fascinated by the light and colors of the South of France, which he captured exceptionally well in this painting. In Sower with Setting Sun, Van Gogh used a fluent and effective style of draughtsmanship to create the image.
Van Gogh drew inspiration for his painting from Jean-François Millet’s painting from 1850. The subject matter is clear – it depicts a solitary farmer sowing seeds on a vast expanse while overlooking the setting sun. The theme of man being at one with nature is evident here, as is typical throughout Van Gogh’s work.
Aside from Sower with Setting Sun, Van Gogh made variations of this theme in some of his other works – one with bright and unnatural colors and an unusual composition that Joaponnisme influences underpin inspired by Japanese prints.
The painting is now located at the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands. For art enthusiasts visiting here or those curious to learn more about this masterpiece can take a closer observation as even without much knowledge; the piece’s symbolic value will undoubtedly depict itself blatantly enough for all to see it.