The artwork, entitled “Orphan Man, Wearing a Blouse, with Broom and Pipe,” is a pencil sketch on paper created by Vincent van Gogh in 1882. This piece originated in The Hague, Netherlands, and falls within the Realism art movement. It is classified as part of the sketch and study genre.
The artwork depicts an elderly man standing, holding a broom in his right hand and a pipe in his left. He is clothed in a loose-fitting blouse, which is detailed with expressive pencil strokes highlighting the folds and texture of the fabric. The man’s posture is relaxed yet purposeful, suggesting his occupation or daily activities. The pencil strokes are deft and confident, capturing the essence of the subject with a simplicity that adds to the piece’s realism. The sketch’s overall ambiance reflects van Gogh’s keen observational skills and his ability to infuse character and narrative into seemingly ordinary subjects.
