The artwork, entitled “Sower (after Millet),” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1881 in the Netherlands. It is executed using pencil, ink, and watercolor on paper, and it belongs to the Realism art movement. Measuring 64 by 55 centimeters, this genre painting is currently housed in the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands.
The artwork depicts a solitary farmer sowing seeds in a field, captured in the midst of the action, with noticeable dynamism in his posture. The muted, earthy tones and meticulous cross-hatching technique reflect the harsh realities of rural life and labor, which is a hallmark of the Realism movement. The figure’s determined expression and sturdy physique emphasize the physical effort required in agricultural work, while the vast, undulating landscape in the background, featuring additional laborers and oxen, extends the narrative of toil and perseverance. Van Gogh’s homage to Millet is evident in the emphasis on the dignity and stoic nature of the common laborer, as well as in the pastoral setting that dominates the composition.
