The artwork titled “Orphan Man with Top Hat, Standing near the Stove, Seen from the Back,” executed by Vincent van Gogh, dates back to 1882 during his time in The Hague, Netherlands. This piece, rendered in pencil and wash on paper, falls under the realism movement and is categorized as a sketch and study. The artwork is housed in the Kröller-Müller Museum located in Otterlo, Netherlands.
The artwork portrays a solitary figure, an orphan man, standing near a stove. The viewer’s perspective is from behind the man, who is dressed in a long, heavy coat and a top hat, exuding an air of humble simplicity. The sketch employs detailed pencil strokes and washes, effectively capturing the texture and weight of his clothing and the rustic setting. The composition is minimalistic yet evocative, emphasizing the poignant solitude of the man, a recurring theme in van Gogh’s early works. The muted tones and restrained lines further enhance the somber mood, providing a compelling glimpse into the everyday struggles of the less privileged, a subject that deeply resonated with the artist.