The Poet’s Garden 1888

Vincent van Gogh painted ‘The Poet’s Garden’ with oil paint on canvas. Look closely, and you’ll notice the thick impasto. This wasn't just about representation for Van Gogh; it was about using the very substance of the paint to convey the texture and energy of the garden. The dabs and strokes aren't just marks; they're physical gestures, mirroring the labor involved in tilling the soil, planting, and nurturing. He was deeply interested in the laboring classes, often depicting farmers and other workers in his art. While this painting doesn't directly show people working, you can see a parallel in the sheer physicality of Van Gogh's application. Each stroke is almost like a miniature act of cultivation, mirroring the care a gardener might take in tending to their plants. So, next time you look at a Van Gogh, remember it's not just an image, it's an artifact of labor and material, bridging the gap between fine art and the world of work.