Peat Boat with Two Figures

"Peat Boat with Two Figures", painted in 1883 by Vincent van Gogh, offers a glimpse into the rural life of the Netherlands during the late 19th century. This evocative scene, housed in the Drents Museum, measures 55.5 cm in height and 37 cm in width. nn The painting draws our attention to a peat boat resting on a tranquil waterway. Inside, a figure clad in vibrant red bends over, their task hidden from our view. Above, on the grassy bank, another figure dressed in dark clothing pushes a wheelbarrow, perhaps transporting the harvested peat. nn Van Gogh masterfully uses light and shadow to create depth and volume. Notice how the sunlight bathes the scene, casting long shadows from the figures and the boat, adding a sense of tranquility and realism. The subdued color palette, dominated by earthy greens and browns, reflects the natural environment and the laborious nature of peat harvesting, a common practice in the Netherlands during that era.