Vincent van Gogh – Peasant Digging – 1928 Portfolio Print
€ 220
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1928
Sheet size
29.2 × 21.8 cm (11.5 × 8.6 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14051-21
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
The print is in good condition with some age-related wear to the edges. The print is lightly mounted to the original paper board.
About this sheet
This 1928 print is a reproduction of 'Peasant Digging', a drawing by Vincent van Gogh created in 1881-1882 during his Dutch period. The image depicts a solitary farm worker, bent over as he digs into the earth with a heavy spade. His sturdy clothing, wooden clogs, and determined posture emphasize the physical endurance and labor required in rural life. The background, featuring thatched-roof cottages and a simple farmhouse, situates the scene in a traditional agricultural village.
Executed in 'charcoal and pencil', Van Gogh’s expressive lines and hatching techniques give the drawing a raw, dynamic quality. The rough textures of the ground, the folds in the worker’s thick clothing, and the structured forms of the buildings all contribute to the realism and intensity of the scene. The energetic marks create movement, making the viewer feel the repetitive effort of digging into the soil.
Van Gogh was deeply inspired by Jean-François Millet and the Realist movement, frequently depicting laborers as symbols of perseverance and resilience. The theme of peasant work would continue to appear throughout his career, culminating in his famous paintings of farmers and harvesters. This drawing is an excellent example of his commitment to portraying the dignity of rural workers with honesty and depth.
Condition Summary: The print is in good condition, with minor age-related wear along the edges.
Matting and Framing Tips: A neutral or warm-toned mat will enhance the depth of the drawing, while a classic black or dark wood frame will provide a strong, elegant presentation. UV-protective glass is recommended for preservation.
