A Man with a Broom 1881

Vincent van Gogh created this work, *A Man with a Broom*, with pencil and ink on paper. The composition is immediately striking, dominated by the vertical figure of the man, rendered in somber tones against a muted background. This emphasizes a sense of isolation and introspection. The cross-hatching and linear strokes define the form. Note how Van Gogh uses these techniques to depict the rough texture of the man's clothing and the worn surface of the broom, drawing attention to the materiality of everyday life. The limited colour palette further underscores the bleakness of the scene, focusing our attention on the formal arrangement of lines and shapes. The overall structure echoes the symbolist and expressionist concerns of the period. The artist engages with themes of labour, poverty, and human dignity. The emphasis on form and materiality elevates the mundane to the level of profound commentary. The artwork remains open to interpretation, reflecting the ongoing dialogue between art and its viewers.