“Wheat Field with a Stack of Wheat or Hay” is a watercolor work on paper created in 1890 by the renowned artist Vincent van Gogh, during his time in Auvers-sur-Oise, France. This piece, characterized by its post-impressionist style, is considered a sketch and study within its genre. It is currently housed in the Whitworth Art Gallery at the University of Manchester in Manchester, UK.
The artwork depicts a serene pastoral scene, highlighting a wheat field with a prominent stack of wheat or hay in the background. Van Gogh’s use of flowing and dynamic brushstrokes conveys movement within the field, drawing the viewer’s eye across the undulating lines of the wheat. The haystack is rendered with energetic, swirling lines that contrast yet complement the more uniform strokes of the field, creating a sense of depth and texture. This piece exemplifies Van Gogh’s characteristic technique and attention to natural landscapes, capturing the quiet yet vibrant essence of rural life.