The artwork, titled “Sketch of an Eroded Garden-Wall Ornament,” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1890 during his time in Auvers-sur-Oise, France. Executed in chalk on paper, this work belongs to the Post-Impressionism movement and falls under the genre of sketches and studies. Currently, it is housed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
“Sketch of an Eroded Garden-Wall Ornament” depicts a facial sculpture with pronounced features framed by a distinctive headdress, reminiscent of ancient or classical motifs. The lines are confident, yet convey a sense of erosion and wear, capturing the passage of time on the ornament. Accompanying the primary subject appears to be the smaller, less defined sketch of a child-like figure to the right, providing a juxtaposition of scale and clarity within the piece. The use of chalk on paper enables a textural quality that enhances the illustration’s aged and weathered appearance, reflecting van Gogh’s expressive and detailed approach.
