Peasant with Sickle, Seen from the Back

"Peasant with Sickle, Seen from the Back" exemplifies van Gogh's early exploration of Realism through a raw, expressive depiction of rural life. Likely created as a sketch and study, it emphasizes bold, energetic strokes possibly made with chalk on paper. Though incomplete, the work reveals van Gogh’s focus on everyday labor and the human figure, themes that would continue to define his later masterpieces. His ability to convey emotion through such focused studies foreshadows his later dominance in modern art, despite limited recognition during his lifetime.