Miners' wives carrying sacks of coal 1882

"Miners' Wives Carrying Sacks of Coal" is an 1882 watercolor painting by Vincent van Gogh, depicting a group of women carrying heavy sacks of coal. The painting is known for its striking use of dark and somber colors, reflecting the harsh realities of working-class life in the coal mines. Van Gogh’s use of expressive brushstrokes and a somewhat flat perspective conveys a sense of weight and fatigue, emphasizing the women's physical labor. This artwork provides a glimpse into Van Gogh's early style and his focus on social themes. Currently housed at the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands, this piece is a testament to Van Gogh's early exploration of social realism.