Enclosed Field with a Sower in the Rain 1889

Vincent van Gogh’s "Enclosed Field with a Sower in the Rain" is a drawing rendered in pen and ink over graphite on paper. The visible strokes articulate the scene, revealing the land’s contours and the sower braving the elements. The frenzied energy of the marks shows Van Gogh’s investment in his materials and the labor-intensive processes inherent in artmaking and farming. As such, these marks speak to the inherent qualities of the physical materials and the techniques used. The image is charged with social significance, depicting the agricultural worker as a figure of resilience. Van Gogh often elevated the everyday labors of working-class people, contrasting with the traditional hierarchy of art that prioritizes the affluent. Ultimately, Van Gogh’s drawing demonstrates the power of craft to imbue an image with social and cultural meaning. It reminds us that the tools of production - be they a pen or a plow - carry layers of human experience and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and the everyday.