The artwork titled “Peasant Man and Woman Planting Potatoes” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1885 in Nuenen, Netherlands. This piece, crafted using ink on paper, belongs to the Realism art movement and signifies a sketch and study genre. Currently, it is housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The artwork vividly portrays a scene of rural life, depicting a peasant man and woman engrossed in the laborious task of planting potatoes. Their bent postures and the deliberate stroke work emphasize the dedication and effort inherent in agricultural work. The figures are set against a relatively austere background, with muted tones and minimalistic detailing that focus the viewer’s attention on their actions. The choice of medium, ink on paper, adds a raw, unembellished quality to the piece, reflecting Van Gogh’s commitment to capturing the true essence of peasant life. The simplicity and directness of the piece align with the tenets of Realism, aiming to depict subjects in an unidealized, truthful manner.
