Sower 1888

Vincent van Gogh’s “Sower” is an oil painting that captures a figure sowing seeds in a field, and it's all about the materiality of paint itself. The thick application of paint, using a technique known as impasto, gives the surface a tactile quality. Look closely, and you'll see how Van Gogh applied short, energetic brushstrokes of contrasting colors—blues and yellows—to create a vibrant and shimmering effect. The way he built up the paint gives the field a palpable texture, almost as if you could reach out and feel the earth. The visible brushwork speaks to the labor involved in creating the painting. It mirrors the physical work of the sower, emphasizing the connection between the artist's actions and the subject matter. Van Gogh elevates the everyday labor of sowing to an almost heroic status, reflecting his deep respect for the working class. Ultimately, the painting invites us to consider the physical act of creation, both in farming and in art, and highlights the value of manual labor in a rapidly industrializing world.