The artwork, titled “Peasant Woman, Digging, Seen from the Side,” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1885 in Nuenen, Netherlands. Executed in chalk on paper, this piece is a fine example of the Realism art movement and falls under the genre of sketches and studies. The artwork is currently housed in the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands.
The depiction in the artwork reveals the back view of a peasant woman engaged in the act of digging. Van Gogh captures her in a bent-over posture, emphasizing the physical labor of her task. The simplicity of the lines and the monochromatic medium reflect the raw and honest nature of rural life. The woman’s attire, including her headscarf, dress, and sturdy shoes, is drawn with detailed attention, contributing to the realistic portrayal of her daily labor. The minimalistic background allows the viewer’s focus to remain entirely on the woman, accentuating the dignity and perseverance inherent in her work.
