The Schoolboy 1888

Vincent van Gogh created this oil painting titled 'The Schoolboy' during his time in France in the late 1880s. The painting offers a glimpse into the world of late 19th-century education and childhood in France. Van Gogh's choice of subject matter reflects a broader interest in representing everyday life and the working class, a theme prevalent among artists during this period. The direct gaze of the schoolboy invites viewers to consider the social conditions of the time, including access to education and the experiences of young people in a rapidly changing society. It is tempting to see it as a commentary on the universal experience of youth and education. Historical research into the French education system during the late 19th century, as well as Van Gogh’s letters, will provide us with a richer understanding of the painting's socio-cultural context.