Torso of Venus and a Landscape 1887

Vincent van Gogh made this drawing of a torso of Venus and a landscape. It is an academic study reflective of the 19th century’s rigid artistic training, which was largely based on the classical sculpture canon. Van Gogh, however, was developing his unique style within this traditional framework. Although the landscape is vaguely defined, it hints at his move towards the observation of the natural world. The image of Venus resonates with themes of beauty and femininity central to the artistic and societal dialogues of his era. The deliberate choice to focus on the torso could symbolize a fragmented understanding of women, reflective of the restricted roles assigned to them in the 19th century. Though these are academic studies, Van Gogh's interest in depicting people with empathy is clearly visible. The drawing offers a glimpse into Van Gogh’s personal exploration of form and emotion, as he attempts to connect with the viewer on a human level.