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The Thresher (after Millet)
Scene depicted
The scene of The Thresher unfolds before our eyes, revealing the hard work of the harvesters. Van Gogh, while respecting Millet's theme, injects his own passion into this composition. The bright colors and fluid shapes pay tribute to the culture and rusticity of the agricultural world, placing the painting within a tradition of respect for nature.
Historical context
Created in 1889 in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence , this painting is emblematic of the post-impressionist movement, marked by bold use of colors and expressive brush strokes. The canvas is now located at the Van Gogh Museum , where it is carefully preserved, reflecting the intensity of its time. Its dimensions, 27.5 x 44 cm, remind us of the beauty of rural scenes captured by the artist.
Place in the artist's career
In Van Gogh's career, The Thresher represents a period of maturity, a turning point where his emotions and techniques fully blossom. Alongside it, The Sunflowers and The Starry Night illustrate the evolution of his style, between exploration of colors and the quest for intense personal expression.
Anecdote
“I needed to express the beauty of daily work,” Van Gogh is said to have declared. This quote perfectly summarizes the unexpected inspiration that seized him one morning as he observed farmers busy in the fields. This simple moment of life transformed into a vibrant pictorial work , where each brush stroke tells the love of labor.