Orphan Man with Cap, Seen from the Back 1882

This drawing, "Orphan Man with Cap, Seen from the Back," was created by Vincent van Gogh, though the exact date remains unknown. Van Gogh was deeply invested in the lives of the working class and often depicted laborers, peasants, and the marginalized members of society. Here, Van Gogh captures a sense of isolation and anonymity, which speaks to the precariousness of existence for orphaned individuals in the 19th century. The man’s averted gaze confronts us with themes of loneliness, poverty, and social exclusion. The cap and worn clothing suggest a life of manual labor. His posture might convey a sense of weariness or resignation, reflecting the challenges faced by orphans who lacked family support. We are left to consider how society treats its most vulnerable members, and how individual identity is shaped by circumstance and social status. Van Gogh invites us to consider the dignity and humanity of those often overlooked or forgotten.