The artwork, titled “Peasant with Sickle, Seen from the Back,” is a chalk drawing on paper, created in 1885 by renowned artist Vincent van Gogh in Nunen/Nuenen, Netherlands. This sketch, associated with the Realism art movement, is a study of a peasant depicted from behind, wielding a sickle in his right hand. The artwork currently resides in the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands.
In this particular piece, van Gogh captures the hardworking essence of rural life. The peasant, rendered in precise, textured chalk lines, is shown mid-stride in a field, with deliberate detailing on his clothing and posture. The dark tones contrast with the lighter background, emphasizing the figure’s labor-intensive movement. The meticulous application of chalk defines the folds of his clothing and the muscular effort required for wielding the sickle. This study reflects van Gogh’s deep admiration for the resilience and toil of peasants, which is a recurring theme throughout his early works.
