The artwork known as “Stocky Man,” executed by Vincent van Gogh in 1885 while in Nunen / Nuenen, Netherlands, is a sketch rendered in chalk on paper. This piece belongs to the Realism movement and falls under the genre of sketches and studies. It is presently housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The artwork depicts a robust, short-statured man, characterized by broad shoulders and a slightly hunched posture, wearing what appears to be a heavy coat. The man’s facial expression is suggested with bold, quick strokes, giving a sense of rough immediacy and capturing the essence of his presence rather than detailed likeness. His hands are outstretched slightly, adding a sense of engagement with the viewer or action within his space. The use of chalk provides a grainy texture to the piece, enhancing the rustic feel of the subject. The background features quick and loose markings, emphasizing the focus on the figure itself. Overall, the artwork reflects van Gogh’s skill in capturing the human form with expressive and economical lines.
