“Reaper with Sickle (after Millet)” is an artwork by Vincent van Gogh, produced in 1881 in the Netherlands. This piece, belonging to the Realism art movement, is a sketch and study reflecting the artist’s meticulous attention to everyday life and labor. The dimensions of the artwork are 55.5 x 30.5 cm, and it currently resides in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a solitary reaper, bent forward in the act of cutting crops with a sickle. The reaper is shown in a detailed and naturalistic manner, emphasizing the physical toil associated with agricultural labor. The backdrop consists of tall, dense crops, and a few birds can be seen flying above, enhancing the rural atmosphere. The earthy tones and intricate line work, typical of van Gogh’s sketches, contribute to the overall realism and poignancy of the scene. This piece, being a study after Jean-François Millet, underscores van Gogh’s admiration for Millet’s portrayal of peasants and rural life.
