Farm of Pere Eloi Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)

The drawing presents a rural scene dominated by a farm complex situated on gently sloping land. Here we observe a cluster of buildings, rendered with a loose, expressive line that suggests both solidity and a certain fragility. Smoke rises from the chimneys, depicted as swirling, almost chaotic forms, contributing to an atmosphere of quiet industry and domesticity. The artist employed hatching and cross-hatching techniques to create tonal variation, giving depth and volume to the structures and landscape.
In the foreground, a dark shape – likely a cow or other livestock – is positioned centrally, its form sketched with rapid, energetic strokes. This animal appears somewhat isolated, yet it anchors the composition and draws the viewer’s eye into the scene. The ground is uneven, marked by furrows suggesting recent plowing or cultivation. A low stone wall runs along the left side of the image, adding another layer to the topography.
The overall impression is one of a working landscape, imbued with a sense of melancholy and solitude. The simplicity of the subject matter – a farm, livestock, smoke rising into the sky – hints at themes of labor, sustenance, and the cyclical nature of rural life. The loose rendering style and muted palette contribute to an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. There’s a feeling that this is not merely a depiction of a place, but rather an exploration of the emotional resonance of rural existence – a sense of isolation tempered by the enduring rhythms of agricultural work. The lack of human figures amplifies this sense of detachment, suggesting a focus on the landscape itself and its inherent qualities.