The artwork entitled “Man, Drawing or Writing” is a chalk on paper piece crafted by Vincent van Gogh in 1886 during his time in Paris, France. This sketch and study piece belongs to the Post-Impressionism art movement and is presently housed in the Van Gogh Museum, located in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The artwork portrays a man intently engaged in the act of drawing or writing. Rendered in chalk, the vigor of Van Gogh’s strokes can be observed, emphasizing the contours and the posture of the subject. The man is depicted in a profile view, with particular attention given to the form of his head, shoulders, and the arm bent towards the task at hand. The use of dark, dense lines accentuates the seriousness and dedication of the figure, providing a glimpse into the contemplative nature of the activity he is engrossed in. Though simplistic, the sketch captures the essence of focused effort and concentration.