“Interior with Peasant Woman Peeling Potatoes,” executed by Vincent van Gogh in 1885 in Nuenen, Netherlands, is a seminal example of Realism in a sketch and study format. This chalk on paper artwork, which forms part of the collection at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands, captures an intimate domestic scene with raw authenticity.
The artwork depicts a peasant woman engaged in the humble task of peeling potatoes, seated on a chair beside a window. The scene is rendered with stark, expressive lines, characteristic of Van Gogh’s ability to convey the essence of daily rural life. The woman’s form, accentuated by the heavy use of shading, draws the viewer’s focus to her simple yet significant activity. Subtle details, such as the folds of her apron and the rustic interior setting, enhance the overall realism and depth of the composition. Through this poignant portrayal of ordinary labor, Van Gogh offers a glimpse into the quiet dignity and simplicity of peasant life.
