Farmers Working in the Field 1888

Vincent van Gogh created this ink drawing, titled "Farmers Working in the Field," with expressive lines and shading. Van Gogh had a deep and abiding respect for the laboring classes and the realities of rural life. Here, we see a group of figures, likely peasants, bent over in a field, their bodies mirroring the repetitive nature of agricultural work. This image reflects the socio-economic realities of the late 19th century, a time marked by stark class divisions. Van Gogh’s decision to focus on these individuals elevates their status. It also speaks to his own empathetic nature and his sensitivity to human suffering. In his letters, Van Gogh wrote extensively about his desire to depict the lives of ordinary people with dignity and truth. He once said, "I want to paint men and women with that something of the eternal which the halo used to symbolize." The drawing encapsulates a moment of labor but also serves as a poignant reflection on the dignity of work, the realities of class, and the artist's personal connection to the human condition.