“Sketch of Cows and Children” by Vincent van Gogh, created in 1890 in Auvers-sur-oise, France, exemplifies the artist’s engagement with the Post-Impressionism art movement. Rendered in pencil on paper, this notable artwork belongs to the genre of sketch and study. It is currently housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The artwork presents a simple yet captivating study of cows and children. The figures are rendered with a freehand style, typical of a preliminary sketch. The cows display a robust yet slightly abstract form, indicative of Van Gogh’s ability to capture the essence of his subjects with minimal lines. The children, situated in the lower left of the artwork, are depicted with equally loose and flowing lines, suggesting movement and childlike exuberance. The composition, though informal, provides insight into Van Gogh’s observational practices and his fascination with rural and everyday life.