Reaper 1885

"Reaper" is a drawing by Vincent van Gogh, whose exact date remains unconfirmed, and is currently housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Van Gogh’s work is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and the socio-economic realities of 19th-century Europe. Van Gogh often depicted laborers and rural life, reflecting his empathy for the working class. In "Reaper," the figure hunches over, engaged in the backbreaking work of harvesting. The drawing captures the physical toll and the cyclical nature of labor and life, it speaks to the intersection of class and identity. The subject is anonymous, representing the countless individuals whose labor sustains society. Van Gogh once wrote, "One must work and dare if one really wants to live." This artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of labor and invites contemplation on the dignity of work.