Vicarage and Church at Etten 1876

Vincent van Gogh made this drawing of the Vicarage and Church at Etten using pen and ink on paper. Its visual codes and cultural references offer an entry point into understanding 19th-century Dutch society and its impact on artistic production. The church and vicarage, central to community life, are depicted with an emphasis on their architectural details, reflecting the importance of the church in rural Dutch society. Van Gogh’s choice of subject matter can be seen as a commentary on the social structures of his time, particularly the role of religion. Research into the history of the Dutch Reformed Church and the social conditions in the Netherlands during the 19th century can shed light on the cultural context in which Van Gogh created this drawing. By examining historical archives, religious texts, and social commentaries from the period, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and institutional forces that shaped Van Gogh’s artistic vision.