Old Man Carrying a Basket, Facing Right

Old Man Carrying a Basket, Facing Right by Vincent van Gogh, created in 1882, is a definitive example of the artist's dedication to figure studies and social realism during his formative years in The Hague. Classified as a drawing, the work utilizes a sophisticated combination of graphite with gray and black wash applied skillfully to brown wove paper. Technical examination reveals that the paper was also squared lightly in graphite, a common preparatory technique Gogh employed when planning to transfer or scale the composition, emphasizing the deliberate academic structure underpinning this seemingly spontaneous study.

The subject, an elderly man carrying a substantial basket, is rendered in profile, capturing the weight and quiet dignity of manual labor. This focus aligns with the prevalent artistic interests of the time, placing the piece squarely within the tradition of realist depictions of workers that characterized the Dutch art scene during the 1876 to 1900 period. The varying density of the wash allows Gogh to build form and volume effectively, demonstrating his mastery of shadow and light even before the explosion of color that marked his later works.

This crucial early drawing confirms Gogh’s foundational strength as a draftsman, concentrating on line quality and emotional resonance over color theory. The work is preserved as a vital document of the artist's early development within the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a widely recognized piece from this transformative era, reproductions and high-quality prints are frequently made available through public domain resources, ensuring continued access for scholarly study and public appreciation of this powerful Dutch drawing.