The artwork, titled “Potato field behind the dunes,” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1883 in the Netherlands. This piece is rendered using wash, ink, and paper, and is classified under the Art Movement of Realism. It falls into the genre of sketch and study and is currently housed at the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands.
The artwork presents a serene rural landscape, characterized by meticulously illustrated fields that recede into the distance. In the foreground, the potato field is delineated with careful attention to the orderly rows of plants, which provide a sense of structure and uniformity. The middle ground likely contains human figures, suggesting cultivation activity. In the background, one can observe a line of dunes that form a gentle barrier, beyond which distant hills or perhaps a horizon is visible. Sparse and leafless trees, evocative of late autumn or early spring, flank the scene, adding a stark quality to the composition. The use of wash and ink lends the sketch a nuanced play of light and shadow, creating depth and a subdued, contemplative atmosphere. The overall effect is one of simplicity and realism, capturing the quiet dignity of the agricultural landscape.
