“Sower and Trunk of an Old Yew Tree,” created by Vincent van Gogh in 1888, is a sketch and study rendered using ink on paper. This piece, completed in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France, falls within the Post-Impressionism art movement. The artwork captures two distinct elements – a sower at work in a field, and the imposing trunk of an old yew tree.
In the artwork, the left section illustrates a figure sowing seeds across a plowed field, invoking a sense of labor and the agrarian lifestyle. The right segment showcases the rugged trunk of an ancient yew tree, which exudes an air of strength and timelessness. The two sketches are accompanied by handwritten notes in French, suggesting that this piece may have served as a preparatory study or a personal reflection by the artist. The use of ink on paper and the loose, expressive lines characterize van Gogh’s approach during this period, reflecting his exploration of natural themes and his innovative style that would come to define Post-Impressionism.
