Plowing in the Sun (after Vincent van Gogh)
Work on paper, likely a pastel drawing or a mixed media work • Signed 'Nic Tunon' (bottom right corner). This appears to be a regional or hobbyist artist creating a stylistic homage to Vincent van Gogh or similar Post-Impressionist masters.
Style & Movement
Post-Impressionist revival / Expressionism. The stylistic elements are heavily influenced by Van Gogh’s late period (Arles/Saint-Rémy), specifically motifs of labor and the sun.
Medium & Technique
Pastel or wax crayon on paper. The technique employs rhythmic, broken strokes following the circular radiation of the sun, imitating post-impressionist mark-making and Fauvist color palettes.
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th Century (likely 1960s-1980s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 30 inches (image), landscape format, mounted in a matted gold-finished frame.
Subject Description
A rural scene depicting two figures with a horse pulling a plow through a field. The composition is dominated by a Large, stylized, swirling sun that radiates geometric blocks of light across the landscape. The scene represents a classic agrarian theme of manual labor and the rhythm of nature.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The paper appears stable within the framing. Colors remain vibrant with no immediate signs of significant ultraviolet fading visible in the photo.
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $300 USD
Auction Estimate
$50 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a private sale or local gallery; no auction records suggest a major institutional history for this specific artist.
Art Historical Significance
The work reflects the mid-century trend of 'After Van Gogh' compositions, showing how the formal language of Dutch Post-Impressionism influenced later amateur and decorative artists. It serves as an example of expressive rural landscape painting of the 20th century.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'halo' effect around the sun created by concentric lines; visible signature 'Nic Tunon' in the bottom right corner; energetic, thick application of medium contrasting with the delicate palette of the sky.
Condition Issues
Minor potential acid burn to the paper from non-archival matting (though frame appears newer). Slight surface texture might indicate minor wax blooming if oil pastels were used.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted behind UV-protective glass. Verify that the matting is acid-free (archival) to prevent 'foxing' or yellowing of the paper edges over time.