The artwork, “Peasant with Sickle, Seen from the Back,” created by the illustrious Vincent van Gogh in 1885 while he was in Nunen, Netherlands, is a remarkable example of realism sketched with chalk and ink on paper. It is classified under the genre of sketch and study, and currently housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
In this piece, a peasant is depicted from the rear, engrossed in his laborious task. Van Gogh’s adept use of chalk and ink brings out the textures of the peasant’s clothing and the details of his posture. The figure is dressed in simple, worn attire, reflecting the harsh realities of rural life. He grasps a sickle firmly in his right hand, emphasizing his connection to the agrarian lifestyle. The sketch captures both the dignity and the toil of the peasant’s daily life, with the surrounding environment sketched lightly in the background, possibly suggesting the fields he is working on. Van Gogh’s careful attention to detail and form underscores his commitment to realism, portraying an authentic glimpse into the everyday life of a peasant.
