The artwork in question is entitled “Cart with Black Ox,” created by the renowned artist Vincent van Gogh in 1884 while he resided in Nuenen, Netherlands. This oil on canvas painting, belonging to the Realism art movement, is categorized as an animal painting and is currently housed at the Portland Museum of Art in Portland, Maine, US.
The artwork vividly depicts a sturdy black ox harnessed to a heavy wooden cart, which appears laden with hay or soil. The ox, rendered with meticulous detail, conveys a sense of strength and labor, widely characteristic of rural life during that period. Surrounding the central motif of the ox and cart, the background is imbued with sombre, earthy tones that emphasize the ruggedness and toil of the agricultural scene. Van Gogh’s use of dark, muted colors and strong brushstrokes embody the Realism movement’s dedication to portraying authentic, everyday experiences. Additionally, the presence of birds in the background introduces a sense of movement and life, contrasting with the stillness and solidity of the laboring ox. This artwork is a profound representation of van Gogh’s early works and his ability to encapsulate the essence of rural existence in the 19th century.
