“Four Sketches of a Foot,” created by Vincent van Gogh in 1886 in Antwerp, Belgium, is an exemplary piece within the Realism movement, classified under the genre of sketch and study. The artwork effectively captures the intricate details of human anatomy through careful observation and precise rendering.
The artwork consists of four separate sketches of a human foot, executed in a monochromatic palette. Each foot is depicted from different angles, showcasing van Gogh’s adeptness in capturing the complexity of form and structure. The artist employs fine, deliberate lines to accentuate the contours and musculature of the feet, emphasizing both the softness and strength inherent in human anatomy. The composition is devoid of any background elements, thereby directing the viewer’s focus solely onto the detailed studies of the feet.