The artwork titled “The Smoker (Peasant)” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1888 in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France. This oil on canvas painting belongs to the Post-Impressionism art movement and falls under the portrait genre. It is currently located in the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.
The artwork features a peasant man who is depicted in a half-length portrait. The man is dressed in rustic attire, including a brown coat and a blue hat, and is smoking a pipe. His expression is contemplative, with a direct gaze that engages the viewer. Van Gogh’s characteristic brushstrokes and vivid use of color capture not only the physical likeness of the subject but also the essence of the moment and the man’s demeanor. The background is composed of swirling, textured strokes, enhancing the sense of depth and interest in the setting. This piece is a poignant representation of van Gogh’s ability to infuse ordinary subjects with profound emotional resonance.
