The artwork, titled “Peasant Woman, Standing near a Ditch or Pool,” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1885 in Nuenen, Netherlands. This piece, executed in ink on paper, falls within the Realism movement and is categorized as a sketch and study. Currently, it is housed in the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands.
The artwork depicts a peasant woman leaning over a ditch or pool, focusing on her work with an implement, possibly a hoe or rake. The artist’s use of ink to capture the scene results in expressive, dynamic lines that bring out the simplicity and earnestness of the woman’s actions. The background is minimally detailed, allowing the viewer to concentrate on the woman and her activity. The fluid and deliberate strokes convey a sense of movement and labor, characteristic of van Gogh’s realistic portrayal of rural life and the working class. The sparse details and emphasis on the figure provide an intimate glimpse into the daily toil of a peasant, reflecting the artist’s empathy and respect for common folk.
