Peasant Woman, Planting Beets 1885

Vincent van Gogh rendered this drawing of a peasant woman planting beets with graphite, a humble material that aligns with his subject. The soft, granular quality of graphite allows for the creation of subtle tonal gradations, which van Gogh uses to model the figure and capture the texture of the soil. See how the deliberate application of graphite suggests the weight and density of the woman's body, and the rough surface of the field she toils in. Van Gogh's choice of graphite is significant, reflecting his deep empathy for the working class. The medium itself becomes a vehicle for conveying the dignity and humanity of labor, elevating a common scene of rural life to a subject of artistic importance. In doing so, Van Gogh challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, reminding us that the most profound statements can often be made with the simplest of means.