Fish-Drying Barn 1882

Vincent van Gogh created this drawing of a fish-drying barn with pencil and ink, capturing a slice of life from the late 19th century. Van Gogh was deeply interested in the lives of working-class people, often depicting them with empathy. Here, we see a community reliant on fishing for their livelihood. The fish-drying barn was a crucial part of the local economy. Van Gogh was especially drawn to these scenes of labor and the harsh realities of rural life. His choice of subject matter reflects his social consciousness, documenting the world around him and emphasizing the dignity of labor. The starkness of the landscape and the simple structures speak to the challenges faced by the community. Consider how this image captures a specific time and place, and how it makes visible the often-unseen lives of working people.