Field with Two Rabbits 1889

Vincent van Gogh likely painted "Field with Two Rabbits" in France towards the end of his career. The swirling brushstrokes and earthy palette capture the essence of the countryside, yet also the artist's emotional state. In the late 19th century, the art world was rapidly changing. Artists like Van Gogh were breaking away from academic traditions and exploring new ways of expressing themselves. Van Gogh's landscapes, unlike those of his predecessors, often convey a sense of personal connection with nature. Here, two rabbits are not simply elements of the scenery, they seem to represent a longing for companionship. The work challenges the academic painting styles of the time. What was the social role of art? For some, it was to record history, for others to document the landscape. But for artists like Van Gogh, it was about personal expression. To truly understand this work, we can turn to letters and historical accounts to fully understand Van Gogh's place in the social and cultural landscape of 19th-century France.