Essential Workers

Drawing activity suitable for all ages.

A woman with a spade, seen from behind

Vincent van Gogh, A woman with a spade, seen from behind, 1885. Oil on canvas on wood panel. Overall: 41.7 x 32.3 cm. Gift of Ann and Lawrence Heisey, 1997. © Art Gallery of Ontario. 97/156.

Vincent van Gogh, A woman with a spade, seen from behind, 1885. Oil on canvas on wood panel. Overall: 41.7 x 32.3 cm. Gift of Ann and Lawrence Heisey, 1997. © Art Gallery of Ontario. 97/156.

ACTIVITY

Vincent van Gogh, one of the most famous European artists from the 1800s, was influenced by Dutch and French artists who focused on rural life. In this painting, Van Gogh invites us to empathize with the woman’s hard labour.

QUESTION

Based on this painting, who do you think this woman is?


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