*** About Man with a Spade Working in Cropped Fields, Evening Light

***: Created during Van Gogh’s stay in Nuenen between 1883 and 1885, this painting reflects the profound influence of peasant life on his work during this period. The style is quintessentially Van Gogh, characterized by dynamic, visible brush strokes and the vivid color contrasts that hint at the emotional undercurrents of everyday human toil. This piece is a poignant expression of Van Gogh's deep empathy for the laborers and his fascination with the cyclical nature of farm work, which he saw as a metaphor for human endeavor. The inspiration for this work came from Van Gogh’s direct observation of the agricultural workers in the Brabant region of the Netherlands, and his desire to capture the dignity and the burden of their daily lives. The artwork is currently housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, offering viewers a glimpse into the artist’s early exploration of themes concerning human labor and its intimate connection to the landscape.