Landscape with a Farm 1883

This landscape with a farm was painted by Vincent van Gogh, who was born in 1853 and died in 1890, using oil on canvas. The textural qualities of the painting surface reflect the artist's distinctive method of applying paint. Notice how the brushstrokes are thick and expressive, capturing the roughness of the landscape. Van Gogh's technique involves layers of impasto, where the paint is built up to create a tactile quality. These heavy applications of paint are particularly evident in the depiction of the farmland. Consider the social context of this rural scene, reflecting Van Gogh's preoccupation with the life of the working class. Through the materiality of his painting, he elevates the everyday, inviting us to contemplate the labor, politics, and consumption involved in rural existence. Looking closely at the materials and the making process, we can appreciate the importance of these tangible aspects in understanding the full significance of the artwork.