Peasant Woman in the Kitchen, 19th Century Charcoal on paper

Circle of Van Gogh, 19th Century
Peasant Woman in the Kitchen

Charcoal on paper
32.2 x 17.8 cm

Provenance
Private collection, France

This charcoal drawing, depicting a scene from the daily life of a peasant woman in her kitchen, is a splendid example of the 19th century. The vigorous lines and the subtle interplay of light and shadow endow this work with a liveliness and texture that undeniably recall the emotional approach and technique of Van Gogh. This drawing manifests the same ability to capture the essence of rural life with poignant authenticity.

The 19th century was a time of great social and artistic upheavals, marked by the industrial revolution and the beginnings of modernity. In this context, art often endeavored to capture the reality of the working classes, a subject hitherto rarely represented with such dignity. This drawing exemplifies this trend, highlighting not only the subject matter but also the technical mastery of the draughtsman.

The choice of charcoal, with its potential for rich and deep nuances, underlines the intimate atmosphere of the scene. The relatively modest dimensions of the work (32.2 x 17.8 cm) reinforce its personal and immediate character.

This drawing is a fragment of history and a connection to the everyday life of a bygone era, captured by the hand of an artist with a sensitive gaze and a confident technique.

Some drawings by Van Gogh echo our sheet.