“Farmer Leaning on his Spade,” created by Vincent van Gogh in 1881 in the Netherlands, exemplifies the medium of pencil on paper. This work is associated with the Realism art movement and falls under the genre of genre painting.
The artwork depicts a solemn farmer standing with great resolve, leaning contemplatively on his spade. The detailed rendering of his work-worn clothing and stoic posture captures the essence of rural labor and the strength of the human spirit. The background, subtly sketched, focuses attention on the farmer, reinforcing the theme of hard work and dedication. The meticulous pencil work highlights van Gogh’s keen observational skills and adeptness in portraying everyday subjects with profound depth and respect.