“Woman Peeling Potatoes” is an artwork created by Vincent van Gogh in 1885, in Nuenen, Netherlands. Rendered in chalk on paper, the piece belongs to the Realism art movement and falls under the genre of sketches and studies. This particular artwork is housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The artwork depicts a woman engrossed in the task of peeling potatoes. The artist’s use of chalk results in a monochromatic composition characterized by its rough, yet compelling lines. The woman’s form and her act of peeling are delineated with confident, expressive strokes, capturing the simplicity and earnestness of the moment. She sits on a wooden chair, wearing a modest garment and a headscarf, which suggests a humble, domestic setting. The application of light and dark contrasts mimics the play of light, adding depth and texture to the scene. Van Gogh’s realistic approach is evident in his attention to the mundane yet significant details of everyday life.
