The artwork titled “Peasant Woman Stooping and Gleaning” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1885 during his time in Nuenen, Netherlands. Executed with chalk on paper, this piece falls within the Realism art movement and is classified as a sketch and study. Currently, it resides in the Folkwang Museum in Essen, Germany.
The artwork portrays a robust peasant woman engaged in the humble act of gleaning, bending forward with a focused intent as she gathers leftover crops from the field. The detailed rendering of her posture and attire conveys a powerful sense of her laborious task. The use of chalk allows for a striking contrast between light and shadow, emphasizing the physical strain and dedication inherent in her work. The simplicity and earnestness of the scene reflect the Realist movement’s commitment to depicting everyday life with unvarnished truth.
