The artwork “Carpenter’s Yard and Laundry,” created in 1882 by Vincent van Gogh in The Hague, Netherlands, is an exemplary piece of Realism. Executed with chalk on paper, this cityscape captures the everyday life and labor in a carpenter’s yard. Currently held in a private collection, the artwork manifests the artist’s keen eye for the nuances of urban existence.
In the artwork, Van Gogh presents a meticulously detailed view of a carpenter’s yard adjacent to an area where laundry hangs out to dry. The scene is occupied by modest wooden structures and rooftops, seamlessly integrating the rustic essence of working-class life. Fencing and barriers segment the yard, filled with timber and other materials, while a person can be observed engaged in their daily routines. The composition reflects the artist’s dedication to capturing the authenticity and simplicity of ordinary environments, while the extensive use of chalk breathes subtle, yet persuasive, life into the portrayal. The distant horizon with sparse trees further accentuates the tranquil, industrious atmosphere of this modest cityscape.
