The artwork titled “Peasant, Seen from the Back and Three Hands Holding a Stick,” created by Vincent van Gogh in 1885 in Nuenen, Netherlands, is a chalk sketch on paper. It belongs to the Realism art movement and serves as a study piece. This artwork is currently housed in the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands.
The artwork depicts the back view of a peasant, who is dressed in simple, workman’s clothing. The figure stands with a somewhat relaxed posture, facing away from the viewer. Surrounding the central image of the peasant are three detailed sketches of hands holding a stick, each illustrating different grips and angles. The composition highlights van Gogh’s attention to everyday rural life and his meticulous study of human gestures and anatomy. The use of chalk allows for a range of textures and shading, emphasizing the three-dimensional form of the figure and the hands. This sketch serves as a testament to Van Gogh’s observational skills and his dedication to capturing the essence of peasant life.
