The artwork, titled “Noon, Rest from Work (after Millet),” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1890 in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France. It is an oil painting on canvas and belongs to the Post-Impressionism art movement. This genre painting is housed in the Musée d’Orsay located in Paris, France.
In this artwork, Vincent van Gogh vividly captures a moment of repose during the midday in a rural setting. The scene depicts two laborers resting in a field of golden wheat, with their tools laid aside, taking shelter from the sun under the encompassing warmth of the haystacks. The man and woman are lying down, seemingly exhausted, suggesting a break from their strenuous activity, as evidenced by their worn-out appearances. The composition of the landscape is marked by the textured strokes characteristic of Van Gogh’s style, the swirling shades of blue in the sky contrast with the vibrant yellows and browns of the field, emphasizing the harsh yet serene rural life. In the background, a cart and oxen subtly indicate the continuation of work, juxtaposed against the peaceful rest of the figures in the foreground.
