Enclosed Field with Peasant

“Enclosed Field with Peasant” is a beautiful piece of artwork by the renowned Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. This painting belongs to Van Gogh’s period in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where he committed himself to the asylum of Saint Paul-de-Mausole from May 1889 to May 1890. He created this piece in 1889 during his year in this asylum.

The painting depicts a rural scene with a single peasant laboring in a field. The bold lines and heavy brushstrokes are characteristic of Van Gogh’s mature style. The composition is filled with a riot of intense colors: a cobalt blue sky, emerald green vegetation, the bright yellow of ripe grain, and the orange-brown earth.

“Enclosed Field with Peasant” is part of Van Gogh’s series of paintings known as the “Wheat Fields”. These artworks reflect his ongoing fascination with the natural world, the changing seasons, and the transformative power of labor. As a result, these paintings are not just simple landscapes but reflect Van Gogh’s personal feelings and connection to nature.

Like many of Van Gogh’s works, “Enclosed Field with Peasant” can be categorized under the Post-Impressionism style. Post-Impressionism was a movement that emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction against Impressionism. While the Impressionists were mostly concerned with capturing the fleeting effects of light and color, the Post-Impressionists aimed to evoke emotion and the symbolic meaning behind their subjects.

What makes this painting special is Van Gogh’s expression of his mental state during his time in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Despite his personal struggles, Van Gogh managed to produce many remarkable paintings during this period. In “Enclosed Field with Peasant”, the vivid colors and tumultuous brushwork suggest both the artist’s inner turmoil and his unwavering fascination with the natural world.

Moreover, the lone peasant working diligently in the field could be seen as a symbol of the artist himself, diligently working on his art despite his mental illness. The themes of isolation, nature, and perseverance in the face of adversity are prevalent in Van Gogh’s works, and “Enclosed Field with Peasant” is no exception.

This painting, like many of Van Gogh’s works, is a testament to the transformative power of art. Despite his struggles, Van Gogh was able to produce works that continue to inspire and captivate audiences today. This sense of raw emotion, combined with the bold use of color and form, is what makes “Enclosed Field with Peasant”, and indeed much of Van Gogh’s oeuvre, so special and enduring.