“Study for Woman Sitting by a Cradle” is an artwork by Vincent van Gogh, created in 1887 during his time in Paris, France. This work falls under the Post-Impressionism movement and is classified as a sketch and study. Presently, it is housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The artwork is a detailed sketch depicting a woman seated beside a cradle. The woman’s form is rendered with simple, yet expressive lines that convey the texture of her clothing and the contours of her posture. She appears thoughtful, with her head slightly tilted and her hands gently resting in her lap. The lines in the piece vary in weight and density, creating a sense of depth and form despite its minimalist approach. The backdrop hints at a domestic setting, although it remains largely undefined, allowing the viewer to focus on the figure. The sketch expresses a sense of quiet, intimate observation characteristic of van Gogh’s studies of everyday life.