The Potato Peeler (reverse: Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat)

"The Potato Peeler" is a painting by Vincent van Gogh created in 1885 during his early artistic career while he was living in Nuenen, Netherlands. The work depicts a peasant woman engaged in the laborious task of peeling potatoes, reflecting van Gogh's interest in the lives of rural workers and the theme of labor. This painting is part of a series of works that van Gogh produced focusing on peasant life, influenced by his social concerns and desire to portray the dignity of the working class. The reverse of the canvas features a self-portrait of the artist wearing a straw hat, which is indicative of his exploration of identity and self-representation. The painting is characterized by its earthy color palette and expressive brushwork, typical of van Gogh's early style. "The Potato Peeler" is currently housed in the collection of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. The exact circumstances of its creation and the identity of the model are unknown.

"The Potato Peeler (reverse: Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat)" is an oil on canvas painting created by Vincent van Gogh in 1885. The work features a figure engaged in the act of peeling potatoes, depicted with a focus on the labor and toil associated with rural life. The color palette is dominated by earthy tones, including browns and greens, which reflect the subject's connection to the land. The figure is rendered with expressive brushwork, emphasizing the texture of the skin and clothing. The background is relatively subdued, allowing the central figure to command attention. The reverse side of the canvas reveals a self-portrait of the artist wearing a straw hat, showcasing van Gogh's dual engagement with self-representation and the depiction of working-class subjects. The composition is characterized by a strong sense of realism, highlighting the dignity of labor. The painting exemplifies van Gogh's early interest in social themes and the lives of peasants.