The artwork, titled “Old Man in Sorrow (On the Threshold of Eternity),” was crafted by the renowned artist Vincent van Gogh in 1890 in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France. This piece, executed in oil on canvas, exemplifies the Post-Impressionist movement. Measuring 81 by 65 centimeters, this poignant portrait is currently housed in the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands.
The artwork portrays an elderly man seated on a simple wooden chair, his form bent forward in a posture of deep despair with his head in his hands. The strong, expressive brushwork, characteristic of van Gogh’s style, captures the intense emotion and physical weariness of the subject. The man’s clothing and boots, rendered in muted tones of blue and brown, blend into the similarly toned surroundings, emphasizing the sense of sorrow and resignation. The background, executed with vigorous strokes, creates an almost turbulent atmosphere that mirrors the inner turmoil of the figure. This piece is a powerful visual testament to human suffering and existential reflection, conveyed through van Gogh’s unique artistic language.
