Old Nag 1883

Vincent van Gogh made this drawing of an old horse with pencil and crayon. The simplicity of these materials is deceptive, because look at the subtlety he achieves! Van Gogh was fascinated by laborers and working animals, so the image of an old, tired horse has a deep social context. In this drawing, the texture and weight of the crayon and pencil marks convey a sense of the animal's weariness. Notice the deliberate strokes that create the horse's form, particularly the sagging back and bowed head. Van Gogh uses shading and line work to give the horse a skeletal quality, almost as if it's been used up by the repetitive, endless labor it has performed for humans. The drawing embodies the animal's labor, its aging, and its quiet dignity. This artwork encourages us to appreciate the material and processes used, revealing how they can convey not only the physical appearance of a subject, but also its social significance. It bridges the gap between fine art and the everyday lives of the working class.