Cottage with Decrepit Barn and Stooping Woman 1885

"Cottage with Decrepit Barn and Stooping Woman" (1885) by Vincent van Gogh portrays a dilapidated farmhouse with a crumbling barn, capturing a stark, yet poignant, rural scene. The thatched roof, the wooden beams, and the red brick facade suggest a humble dwelling, emphasizing the artist's fascination with the lives of the working class. This painting, created during van Gogh's early years, demonstrates his developing style and the impact of Dutch Realism, evident in his focus on everyday life and social themes. The lone figure in the foreground reinforces the sense of solitude and contemplation, a hallmark of his work.