Head of a Young Man 1885

Vincent van Gogh made this pencil drawing of a young man during his time in the Netherlands. Van Gogh was deeply invested in portraying the working class. The sketch provides an intimate glimpse into the life of a young laborer during the late 19th century. The subject's plain cap and simple attire speak to his socio-economic standing, reflecting the stark realities of working-class existence. Van Gogh's choice to focus on the individual, to capture the humanity in everyday life, stands as a commentary on the social structures of his time. He elevates the working class, presenting the young man not as an anonymous figure, but as an individual worthy of attention and respect. It's a powerful assertion of dignity of the working class. Van Gogh once wrote, "It is looking at things for a long time that ripens you and gives you a deeper meaning". As you stand before this drawing, consider the long look Van Gogh took, and the meaning he found in the face of a young worker.