The artwork “Two Studies of a Cottage” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1885 in Nuenen, Netherlands. This piece is a chalk drawing on paper and is associated with the Realism art movement, focusing on the genre of sketch and study. Presently, it is housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The artwork comprises two separate studies of a cottage. The upper portion features a simplistic, preliminary sketch of the cottage structure, delineated with light and sparing lines to outline the basic form and composition. The lower section is more detailed and developed, presenting a more comprehensive and defined depiction of the cottage. This part shows the building against a darker background, utilizing dense strokes and shading to create depth and a sense of atmosphere. In both sections, the artist has skillfully captured the essence of the rural architecture and environment, providing insight into his meticulous observation and developing artistic process.