Peasant Woman Binding Sheaves
Print or photolithograph after a drawing; paper support • After Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, 1853–1890)
Style & Movement
Post-Impressionism / Realist-Naturalist phase (Nuenen period)
Medium & Technique
Likely a reproduction (lithograph or photogravure) of an original black chalk, charcoal, and wash drawing. Employs cross-hatching and expressive contour lines characteristic of post-impressionist draughtsmanship.
Creation Period
Original drawing dated July–August 1885; this specific print likely produced in the mid-to-late 20th century.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 16 inches (sight); portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A female peasant figure in profile, hunched slightly while gathering and binding wheat sheaves. The figure wears traditional Dutch dress of the period, including a white cap and clogs. The background suggests a harvest field in Nuenen.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. Visible signs of age-related discoloration and foxing on the matting and paper. The framing appears dated and slightly worn.
Estimated Market Value
$50 – $150 USD (decorative value as a vintage reproduction)
Auction Estimate
$40 – $100 USD
Provenance History
The presence of a $75.99 thrift store or liquidation price tag suggests a recent history in the secondary mass-market retail sector. No high-level provenance (museum or gallery labels) is visible on the front.
Art Historical Significance
The original drawing belongs to Van Gogh's late Nuenen period, where he focused on the dignity of manual labor and 'The Potato Eaters' aesthetic. While this is a reproduction, the image represents a pivotal moment in Van Gogh's study of the human form before his move to Paris.
Notable Features
Features a modern retail barcode/price tag on the upper right of the frame glass. The execution of the linework in the reproduction captures Van Gogh's characteristic heavy, rhythmic hatching style.
Condition Issues
Possible light-strike/UV fading; significant yellowing and acidification of the paper and mat. The frame shows minor chipping and dust accumulation.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend reframing using acid-free archival matting and UV-protective glazing. If intended for long-term display, a paper conservator could address the acidification, though the cost would likely exceed the reproduction's value.