Sketch of a Left Hand (1886; Antwerp, Belgium) by Vincent van Gogh

“Sketch of a Left Hand” is an artwork created by Vincent van Gogh in 1886 while residing in Antwerp, Belgium. Executed using chalk on paper, this piece falls within the Realism art movement and is categorized as a sketch and study. The artwork is currently housed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The artwork presents a detailed depiction of a left hand, rendered with black chalk. The hand is drawn in a naturalistic manner, showcasing realistic anatomical features such as the curvature of the fingers and the texture of the skin. The chalk medium allows for a range of tones, from light shading to deep, expressive strokes, giving the hand a dynamic presence on the paper. Additionally, there are a few handwritten words above the hand, though they appear to be partially obscured and somewhat indistinct. Overall, this study reflects Van Gogh’s keen observational skills and his interest in capturing the subtleties of human anatomy.

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