Man with Winnow 1881

Vincent van Gogh's drawing, *Man with Winnow*, captures a figure engaged in the age-old practice of separating grain from chaff. Van Gogh, deeply affected by the plight of the working class, often turned to rural subjects, imbuing them with a sense of dignity. He sought to depict the realities of labor and the connection between people and the land. The man's weathered face and worn clothing speak to a life of toil, a testament to the physical demands of agricultural work in the late 19th century. Through this image, Van Gogh explores themes of class, labor, and the human condition, elevating the everyday experiences of the working class. Van Gogh said, "One must undertake with confidence, with a certain assurance that one is doing a reasonable thing, driven by a deep feeling." Ultimately, the drawing serves as a poignant reminder of the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity, resonating with a sense of empathy and respect for those who labor.