***About the Portrait of an Old Peasant in Straw Hat:

*** Vincent van Gogh painted this evocative piece in 1885 during his early years as an artist, a period when he was profoundly influenced by the plight and dignity of laborers and peasants. This painting is a fine example of his early work, rooted in realism and characterized by an empathetic portrayal of everyday life. Inspired by the pastoral surroundings and the common folk of Nuenen, where he resided, Van Gogh sought to capture the genuine essence of peasant life, pushing beyond mere representation to evoke the emotional and spiritual weight carried by these figures. The painting’s rich, textured application of paint and the somber yet warm palette highlight Van Gogh's transitioning style from traditional realism toward his later, more impressionistic and expressive techniques. While it is not confirmed where this particular painting currently resides, many of Van Gogh’s works from this period are held in prestigious collections worldwide, celebrated for their raw intensity and historical value.