The artwork entitled “Sketches of a Hen and a Cock” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1890 in Auvers-sur-Oise, France. This piece, classified within the realism art movement, is a sketch and study rendered in pencil on paper. The artwork is currently housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The artwork features simple, yet expressive sketches of a hen and a cock. Drawn with brisk and confident strokes, Van Gogh captures the essence and movement of the birds. The lines are dynamic, suggesting the form and texture of the poultry without excessive detail, a testament to Van Gogh’s mastery in economy of line and emphasis on character. The hen, situated slightly above, is depicted with a sense of alertness, while the cock below stands with a robust and grounded posture. This study piece highlights Van Gogh’s keen observational skills and his ability to convey vitality and presence through minimalistic rendering.
