Plaster Statuette of a Horse Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)

In this painting, titled Plaster Statuette of a Horse, a white plaster horse statuette is depicted against a dark, textured blue background. The statuette is rendered with visible brushstrokes, conveying a sense of depth and form despite the monochromatic palette. The horse appears to be in motion, with its front left leg raised as if in mid-stride. The surface it stands on is a muted, light-colored plane, also painted with loose, energetic strokes.
The subtext of this painting likely explores themes of observation, study, and the artists process. The statuette itself suggests a subject that has been copied or modeled from a living creature, representing an ideal or a simplified form. The artists rendering of this plaster form, rather than a live horse, might speak to the artists interest in line, volume, and light as perceived in a static object, as well as the practice of academic study. The dynamic brushwork, especially in the background, contrasts with the stillness of the subject, perhaps suggesting the artists lively interpretation of form or a dynamic internal state being projected onto the outward subject. The stark contrast between the white of the statuette and the deep blue background creates a dramatic and focused composition, emphasizing the presence and form of the horse. It could also represent the artists struggle to capture the essence of a subject, or the enduring quality of art in contrast to the fleeting nature of life.