Hands with a Stick 1885

Vincent van Gogh created "Hands with a Stick," a pencil drawing, to study the human form, an essential practice for artists of his time. The artwork is not just about anatomical study; it’s a reflection of Van Gogh's deep connection to the working class, whom he saw as embodying an authentic, unvarnished humanity. The hands, gnarled and strong, grip the stick with a sense of purpose. Are they the hands of a farmer, a laborer, or perhaps someone elderly, using the stick for support? Van Gogh himself came from a religious family. He briefly served as a missionary among impoverished coal miners. He was deeply moved by their plight, which shaped his view of social class. In his letters, Van Gogh often spoke of his desire to capture the essence of human experience. This drawing invites us to consider the lives and the labor of those who often go unseen. It encourages us to find beauty and dignity in the everyday.