His work
at Nuenen-Antwerp
Vincent van Gogh's time in both Nuenen and Antwerp played pivotal roles in his artistic journey, shaping his style and influencing his approach to painting. In Nuenen, a small village in the Netherlands, van Gogh resided from 1883 to 1885. It was during this period that he delved into the heart of rural life, immersing himself in the daily routines and struggles of the local farming community. Van Gogh's time in Nuenen allowed him to develop a deep empathy for the working class, and he strove to capture their essence in his art. His paintings from this period, such as "The Potato Eaters," reveal his dedication to portraying the dignity and hardships of ordinary people. In Nuenen, van Gogh's artistic style evolved as he experimented with techniques, honed his use of color and brushwork, and sought to convey the emotions and beauty of everyday life. Following his stay in Nuenen, van Gogh ventured to Antwerp, Belgium, in 1885. Antwerp was known for its vibrant art scene and rich artistic heritage, providing van Gogh with an opportunity to further refine his skills. He enrolled at the Antwerp Academy of Fine Arts, where he studied the works of Old Masters, such as Peter Paul Rubens. In Antwerp, van Gogh was exposed to diverse artistic styles and influences, which expanded his artistic horizons. He experimented with brighter colors, bolder compositions, and a more expressive approach to brushwork. This period of exploration and learning in Antwerp set the stage for the artistic breakthroughs he would later achieve. Both Nuenen and Antwerp offered van Gogh unique environments for artistic growth. Nuenen allowed him to connect deeply with the lives of ordinary people, while Antwerp provided him with the artistic education and exposure to diverse styles that broadened his artistic vision. The experiences and influences from these periods shaped van Gogh's artistic voice, paving the way for the distinct style and emotional depth that would define his later works. The time spent in Nuenen and Antwerp was instrumental in his artistic development, setting the stage for the revolutionary art he would create and the enduring legacy he would leave behind.
Head of a Woman with her Hair Loose
December 1885, oil on canvas. At Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. One of the many painting part of the character studies that Van Gogh made in his life.
Head of a woman
1884-1885, oil on canvas. At Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.
The Potato Eaters
April 1885, oil on canvas. At Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. This is the final piece of a series of three and multiples litographs and drawings. This is considerate one of van Gogh's masterpieces.
Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette
1885-1886. oil on canvas. At Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. Probably done while he attended the ROyal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp.
Congregation Leaving the Reformed Church in Nuenen
1884-1885, oil on canvas. At Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.
The Old Church Tower at Nuenen ('The Peasants' Churchyard')
May-June 1885, oil on canvas. At Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.
Still life with bottles and Earthenware.
November 1884-April 1885, oil on canvas. At Van Gogh Museum. Van Gogh painted this picture while his pupils were busy with similar still lifes, because, yes, he gave lessons for a short time.
Head of a man
1884-1885, oil on canvas. At Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.
Portrait of an Old Man
December 1885, oil on canvas. At Van Gogh Museum, AMsterdam. He wrote to his brother Theo about this model callin him "an splendid old-man".
Woman with a Mourning Shawl
March-May 1885, oil on canvas. At Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.
Still Life with Bible.
October 1885, oil on canvas. At Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. This hefty Bible had belonged to Van Gogh's father, a Protestant minister. Van Gogh painted it just after his father's death.
Van Gogh had a particular attachment and sympathy for peasants and other working class people that was fueled in several ways. He was particularly fond of the peasant genre work of Jean-François Millet and others. He found the subjects noble and important in the development of modern art. Van Gogh had seen the changing landscape in the Netherlands as industrialization encroached on once pastoral settings and the livelihoods of the working poor with little opportunity to change vocation. Van Gogh had a particular interest in creating character studies of working men and women in the Netherlands and Belgium, such as farmers, weavers, and fishermen. Making up a large body of Van Gogh's work during this period, the character studies were an important, foundational component in his artistic development.