A Sower (after Millet) Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)

The drawing presents a rural scene dominated by a solitary figure engaged in agricultural labor. Here we observe a man, presumably a farmer or sower, captured mid-stride as he scatters seeds across a field. The artist has rendered him with a deliberate roughness; the lines are energetic and textured, conveying movement and a sense of physical exertion. His posture is slightly bent forward, suggesting the weight of his task and the incline of the land. A wide-brimmed hat shades his face, obscuring much of his features and contributing to an air of anonymity – he becomes less an individual and more a representation of rural toil.
The figure’s clothing – a simple shirt, trousers tucked into sturdy boots, and a scarf loosely draped around his neck – reinforces the impression of working-class status and practicality. The sack slung over his shoulder likely contains the seeds being sown, adding to the narrative of sustenance and provision.
In the background, two indistinct figures are visible alongside what appear to be cattle grazing in the distance. These elements establish a broader context of rural life, but remain secondary to the central figure’s activity. The landscape itself is rendered with broad strokes, emphasizing its undulating form rather than precise detail. This contributes to a feeling of vastness and isolation.
The drawings monochromatic palette lends it a somber tone, evoking themes of labor, perseverance, and connection to the land. There is an inherent dignity in the depiction of this seemingly mundane task; the artist elevates the act of sowing seeds into something symbolic – a gesture that speaks to renewal, hope, and the cyclical nature of life itself. The anonymity of the figure allows for a broader interpretation, inviting viewers to contemplate the universal experience of labor and its place within the natural world. It is possible to read in this work an exploration of human connection with the earth and the quiet resilience required to sustain it.