The artwork titled “New-Born Calf Lying on Straw” was created by Vincent van Gogh around 1884 in Nuenen, Netherlands. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece belongs to the art movement known as Realism and falls under the genre of animal painting.
The artwork depicts a young calf in a reposeful position, lying on a bed of straw. The calf’s form is rendered with expressive brushstrokes that highlight its texture and vitality. The dark, earthy tones employed by van Gogh create a stark contrast with the pale background, drawing focus to the animal’s presence. The raw and honest portrayal of the calf exemplifies the essence of Realism, emphasizing the beauty and simplicity of everyday life in a rural setting. The intricate play of light and shadow showcases van Gogh’s skill in capturing the natural world with a poignant sense of immediacy and intimacy.
