Vincent van Gogh – The Reaper – 1928 Portfolio Print from Dutch Period
€ 220
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1928
Sheet size
23.3 × 29 cm (9.2 × 11.4 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14051-5
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 'The Reaper', an early drawing by Vincent van Gogh created in 1881-1882 during his Dutch period. The image depicts a solitary farm laborer, seen from behind, harvesting a wheat field with a scythe. Dressed in simple work clothes with a broad hat shading his face, the figure embodies the dignity and endurance of rural laborers, a subject Van Gogh frequently revisited throughout his career.
Van Gogh’s skillful use of pencil and ink brings movement and texture to the composition. His expressive strokes convey the weight of the scythe and the swaying motion of the tall wheat, immersing the viewer in the daily toil of the working class. The drawing showcases Van Gogh’s early mastery of 'hatching and shading techniques', adding depth and contrast to the scene.
Deeply inspired by Jean-François Millet and the Realist movement, Van Gogh was fascinated by themes of labor and human resilience. The reaper, a recurring motif in his later works, symbolized both hardship and the cycle of life. This image stands as an important example of Van Gogh’s formative artistic period, foreshadowing his later, more colorful interpretations of harvest scenes.
Condition Summary: The print is in good condition with slight age-related wear along the edges.
Matting and Framing Tips: A warm-toned or off-white mat will enhance the contrast of the ink work, while a classic black or natural wood frame will provide a timeless display. UV-protective glass is recommended for preservation.
