Girl Kneeling in Front of a Bucket 1881

Vincent van Gogh’s “Girl Kneeling in Front of a Bucket” (1881) is a graphite drawing that shows a woman kneeling in front of a bucket, likely washing clothes. The drawing is a depiction of everyday life in the 19th century, demonstrating the artist’s interest in portraying the working class. Van Gogh's distinct style, characterized by quick, gestural lines and dark shading, captures the human figure in motion, conveying the woman's focused engagement in her task. The subject of the drawing, a common theme in van Gogh's early work, highlights the importance of labor and its impact on the lives of ordinary individuals.