Mother at the Cradle and Child Sitting on the Floor 1881

Vincent van Gogh's "Mother at the Cradle and Child Sitting on the Floor" from 1881 depicts a mother seated in a chair, cradling a child in her arms. A second child sits on the floor, engaged in some activity. The scene suggests a quiet moment in a humble dwelling, with a focus on the everyday life of rural families. Van Gogh's use of muted tones and rough brushstrokes creates a sense of intimacy and authenticity. The work reflects his early style, characterized by a focus on social realism and the lives of the working class. The painting can be found at the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands.