Factory 1882

Vincent van Gogh’s charcoal drawing “Factory” (1882) portrays a scene of industrial activity. The artist, known for his bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors, employs a stark, black and white palette in this piece, capturing the somber mood of the industrial setting. While the factory itself is rendered with some detail, the surrounding buildings and a lone tree in the background are more loosely drawn, indicating the artist’s focus on the central theme of industrialization. This work is a testament to van Gogh’s early exploration of themes that would later become central to his art, such as the relationship between nature and human activity. “Factory” can be found in the Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany.