The Bench 1882

"The Bench" is a graphite drawing created by Vincent van Gogh in 1882, showcasing his early artistic style. The artwork depicts two benches in a forest setting, with a prominent tree trunk in the foreground. Van Gogh’s characteristic use of expressive lines and hatching is evident in the depiction of the tree’s gnarled roots and the textured ground. The composition is simple yet evocative, hinting at a sense of solitude and contemplation often found in Van Gogh’s later works. This drawing, a departure from his earlier figurative subjects, demonstrates the budding interest in nature that would become a defining characteristic of his artistic career.