The artwork “Sketch of the Painting ‘The Potato Eaters'” by Vincent van Gogh was created in 1890 in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France. This piece is rendered using chalk on paper and belongs to the Post-Impressionism art movement. It serves as a sketch and study of the artist’s more famous painting and is currently housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The artwork depicts five figures gathered around a table, presumably engaged in a simple meal. The figures are outlined with loose, expressive lines, characteristic of Van Gogh’s style. The sketch captures the humble, rustic interior of the scene, focusing on the interaction and positioning of the characters rather than intricate details. Despite the simplicity of the medium, the artwork successfully conveys a sense of intimacy and laborious life, aligning with the themes prominently featured in Van Gogh’s oeuvre. The sketch serves as a preparatory work for the larger composition, providing insight into the artist’s process and thematic considerations.