An Old Man Putting Dry Rice on the Hearth 1881

Vincent van Gogh's "An Old Man Putting Dry Rice on the Hearth" (1881) is a charcoal drawing depicting an elderly man in a somber, almost melancholic pose. The drawing highlights van Gogh's early style with a focus on texture and the use of dark, earthy tones. The man's worn clothing and the scene's stark simplicity point to a life of modest labor. The piece reflects van Gogh's interest in portraying the lives of ordinary people, a recurring theme in his work. It is currently housed in the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands.