“Peasant Woman at the Washtub” is a chalk-on-paper study created in 1885 by the renowned artist Vincent van Gogh during his time in Nuenen, Netherlands. This artwork, executed in the Realism movement, represents a genre that captures ordinary life with a meticulous and earnest approach. Today, this significant piece is housed in the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands.
In “Peasant Woman at the Washtub,” Van Gogh presents an intimate and honest depiction of the daily labor of a rural woman. The central figure is portrayed bent over a washtub, actively engrossed in her washing task. Her posture is curved, reflecting the physical demands of her work. The detailed strokes capture the texture of her clothing and the humble surroundings. Through this study, Van Gogh pays homage to the resilience and fortitude of the peasant class, infusing a simple yet profound dignity into the everyday toil.
