“The Woodcutter after Millet,” an oil painting on canvas created in 1890 by Vincent van Gogh in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France, is part of the Post-Impressionism art movement. This genre painting, which measures 43.5 x 25 cm, is housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The artwork depicts a woodcutter, exemplified through Van Gogh’s distinct, expressive brushwork and vibrant colors. The figure is shown mid-action, raising his axe to chop wood amidst a backdrop of stylized, swirling foliage and earthy undertones. The composition captures the intensity and labor of the woodcutter’s daily life, reflecting Van Gogh’s admiration for Jean-François Millet, and his ability to give profound dignity to peasant labor. The swirling lines and bold palette create a dynamic and textured scene, characteristic of Van Gogh’s mature style.
