Houses among Trees with a Figure 1890

This drawing of houses among trees with a figure was created by Vincent van Gogh, though the date remains unknown. Van Gogh's life was marked by periods of intense artistic production intertwined with personal struggle and mental illness, a condition that deeply affected his perception of the world. Here, we see a landscape sketch dominated by the natural world. The houses, simple and boxy, sit amongst the overhanging trees and shrubbery. To the left of the houses stands an ambiguous figure, facing away from the viewer. The figure almost blends into the trees that frame the composition. Looking at this work, one can imagine the artist trying to find solace in nature. Van Gogh once wrote, "If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere". This quote encapsulates his profound connection with the natural world, and a kind of beauty that, in his view, exists independently of social and cultural norms. Through this lens, ‘Houses among Trees with a Figure’ becomes an intimate exploration of belonging and isolation, reflecting Van Gogh's own search for harmony within a world that often felt indifferent to his existence.