“An Old Man Putting Dry Rice on the Hearth,” a genre painting executed by Vincent van Gogh in 1881, exemplifies the Realism art movement. Created with pencil on paper, the artwork measures 45 x 56 cm and captures an intimate, everyday scene in the Netherlands. This particular piece is housed in the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands.
The artwork depicts an elderly man, stooped and engrossed in placing dry rice on the hearth, set within a modest interior. His worn clothing and deliberate movements are rendered with meticulous detail, emphasizing the simplicity and authenticity of the moment. The surroundings, including the kettle on the stove, a broom, and an iron tool on the floor, further enhance the lived-in, humble atmosphere. Van Gogh’s precise use of pencil strokes and shading highlights the textures and depth of the scene, immersing the viewer into the man’s quiet, laborious task.
