Peasant Girl Standing 1881

Vincent van Gogh made this drawing of a peasant girl standing, location and date unknown, as part of his broader artistic project focused on the lives of the working class. Van Gogh was deeply moved by the plight of laborers, whom he viewed as the backbone of society. This drawing resonates with the social realism of the late 19th century, where artists sought to depict the everyday conditions of the working class. The girl’s downcast gaze and humble attire speak to the hardships and lack of opportunity that defined her existence. Her identity is intertwined with the labor she performs and the material conditions of her life. Van Gogh once stated that he wanted to capture, "the sower in his field and the peasant woman with her rake." He sought to ennoble these figures, lending them a sense of dignity and importance. The girl stands as a symbol of resilience. This artwork confronts us with questions about labor, class, and the human condition. Van Gogh invites us to empathize with the emotional and physical realities of a life far removed from privilege.