“Reaper with Sickle (after Millet)” is an artwork created by Vincent van Gogh in the year 1889 in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France. This painting, executed with oil on canvas and belonging to the Post-Impressionism movement, measures 44 by 33 centimeters. It represents a genre painting and is currently housed in the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The artwork displays a solitary reaper engaged in the act of harvesting, emphasizing the labor and toil associated with rural life. The reaper, depicted in a blue outfit, bends over as he grips a sickle firmly in his hands, his focus evident in his posture. The vibrant colors and dynamic brushstrokes typical of Van Gogh enliven the scene, imbuing the figure and surrounding landscape with a sense of movement and energy. The background is a field of gold and green, indicative of ripe wheat, with hints of red and purple hues suggesting a setting or rising sun. This depiction not only highlights the physical strain of agricultural work but also conveys Van Gogh’s deep appreciation for the dignity and significance of manual labor.
