Tetards (Pollards)

"Tetards (Pollards)," a powerful drawing by Vincent van Gogh Dutch, 1853-1890, was created in 1884. This intricate early work showcases the artist’s extensive experimentation with drawing materials during his time in the Netherlands. It is executed in pen and brown ink, amplified by touches of pen and black ink, graphite, and graphite frottage, and traces of black chalk, all applied to grayish-white paper laid down on cardboard. This dense and varied application highlights the texture and structural form of the subject matter, a characteristic feature of Van Gogh’s style before he moved to Paris.

The subject refers to the pollarded willows and poplars, where severe pruning creates distinctive, bulbous heads (têtards). Van Gogh was deeply engaged with rural life and the agricultural landscape of the Netherlands, particularly while residing in Nuenen (1883-1885). Works from this period are crucial to understanding his evolution, defined by darker, earthier palettes and a focus on the arduous reality of peasant life. The drawing captures the somber atmosphere inherent in these early compositions by Van Gogh, emphasizing form and shadow over the expressive color he would later employ.

This drawing, Tetards (Pollards), remains a key example of the artist’s commitment to draftsmanship during a formative phase of his career. The work is classified as a Drawing and resides within the distinguished permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a historically significant piece from a major artist, high-resolution images are frequently released into the public domain, allowing scholars and enthusiasts worldwide to access and study prints of this pivotal 1884 piece.