The artwork titled “Haystacks near a Farm,” created by Vincent van Gogh in 1888 in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France, exemplifies the Post-Impressionism movement. Constructed with ink on paper, this piece belongs to the genre of sketch and study, reflecting van Gogh’s exploratory and developmental phase in capturing rural life.
In the artwork, two large haystacks dominate the foreground, intricately detailed with swirling lines that convey texture and volume. A ladder leans against one of the haystacks, suggesting agricultural activity. In the background, a modest farmhouse and other rural structures are depicted with stark, linear precision. The scene is animated by a figure, possibly a farmer, standing near the haystacks, contributing to the pastoral narrative. The overall composition features meticulous line work, with varied patterns and densities, epitomizing van Gogh’s distinctive style and his ability to imbue simple scenes with profound depth and dynamism.
