The artwork titled “Two Hands with a Stick” is a sketch and study created by Vincent van Gogh in 1885. This piece belongs to the Realism art movement, notably focusing on detailed and accurate representation.
The artwork illustrates two hands grasping a stick, emphasizing the anatomical structure and the strength embodied in the hands. The left hand appears to belong to a person who is exerting effort to hold onto the stick, with visible tension in the fingers and wrist. In contrast, the right hand, more centralized in the composition, displays prominent knuckles and veins, suggesting a firm and vigorous grip. The sketch is rendered in pencil, highlighting the texture and form of the hands with meticulous shading and line work, which adds depth and dimension to the portrayal. This study from Van Gogh exemplifies his dedication to capturing the human form in its raw, unembellished state, underscoring his mastery in conveying human emotion and physicality through simple yet powerful compositions.
