Boy with Spade (1882) by Vincent van Gogh

Boy with Spade - Vincent van Gogh - 1882

Artwork Information

TitleBoy with Spade
ArtistVincent van Gogh
Date1882
Mediumpencil,paper
Art MovementPost-Impressionism

About Boy with Spade

The artwork titled “Boy with Spade” was created in 1882 by the artist Vincent van Gogh. The medium used is pencil on paper, and it belongs to Van Gogh’s early body of work prior to the vivid color palette commonly associated with his Post-Impressionist period. The genre of this particular work can be categorized as a sketch and study, evidencing Van Gogh’s exploration of form and character.

Upon examining the artwork, one observes that it portrays a figure, presumably a young boy, who appears to be resting or pausing from labor. He is wearing a large hood, which casts a shadow over his face, imbuing the composition with a sense of introspective solitude. The boy’s arms are crossed in front of him, enhancing the portrayal of a moment of repose. A spade is prominently featured, resting on the ground and leaning against the figure’s body, suggesting that the boy may have been engaged in a form of physical work. The use of shading and distinct pencil strokes adds texture and depth to the sketch, emphasizing the form and weight of the cloaked figure and the object beside him. The artwork is a fine exemplar of Van Gogh’s skill in conveying mood and character through his drawings.

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