Country Road 1890

'Country Road' by Vincent van Gogh is made with pen and ink, and the materiality of these choices says a lot about the work. Van Gogh’s decision to use pen and ink, rather than traditional painting materials, suggests an artist deeply engaged with the working-class realities of the late 19th century. Unlike the costly medium of oil paint, pen and ink were accessible and immediate, allowing for a direct engagement with the landscape and its inhabitants. You can almost feel Van Gogh’s hand moving across the page, capturing the stark beauty of the scene with each stroke. The marks are raw and direct, reflecting the unvarnished truth of rural life. The choice of these specific materials highlights the dignity of labor and the everyday experiences of those often overlooked in the art world. By embracing these accessible materials, Van Gogh challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, elevating the humble tools of pen and ink to a means of profound artistic expression.