Lumber Sale 1883

Van Gogh painted "Lumber Sale" using oil on canvas, capturing a scene of rural life. This work, like much of Van Gogh's oeuvre, offers a window into the social conditions of 19th-century Netherlands. The lumber sale itself speaks to the economic activities of the time. Notice the figures gathered; their clothing and postures hint at a working-class community dependent on industries like lumber for their livelihoods. Painted in the Netherlands, this work resonates with the social realism movement which aimed to portray everyday life, especially that of the working class. Van Gogh, throughout his career, showed an interest in depicting the lives of laborers and peasants, revealing his social consciousness. To understand this painting fully, we might consult local historical archives, records of economic activity, and studies of social class in the Netherlands. Only then can we appreciate the depth of meaning embedded in this seemingly simple scene.