Farmer sitting at the fireside and reading 1881

"Farmer Sitting at the Fireside and Reading" is a charcoal and watercolor drawing created by Vincent van Gogh in 1881, and now housed at the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands. This work exemplifies van Gogh’s early style, characterized by a rough, textured surface and bold, expressive lines. The drawing depicts a farmer seated by a fire, his face illuminated by the warm glow, highlighting his weathered features. The dramatic contrast between the figure and the fire creates a sense of solitude and contemplation. The work is a poignant depiction of rural life, a theme that would continue to fascinate van Gogh throughout his career.