The Sower. Vincent van Gogh. Van Gogh - Der Sämann1.jpeg (source). Public domain — PD-old / PD-US declaration.
The Sower
Vincent van Gogh · 1888, September
- Catalog
- F0575a
- Date
- 1888, September
- Place painted
- Arles
- Museum
- Hammer Museum
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
About the painting
The Hammer Museum also possesses a version of The Sower, a recurring and deeply symbolic motif for Van Gogh. While the most famous versions are in other collections, this painting from his Arles period (c. 1888) captures the essence of his fascination with the theme of labor, hope, and the cycles of nature. The sower, a solitary figure against a vibrant, often dramatic sky, represents the artist's own role in scattering seeds of art and ideas. Van Gogh often imbued this subject with spiritual significance, seeing it as a metaphor for his own tireless efforts to cultivate his artistic vision. The energetic brushwork and bold colors are characteristic of his Arles period, making this a powerful and evocative piece.
Collection: Hammer Museum. Whether it is currently on view should be confirmed with the museum before visiting.
Research note: this entry is based on an evolving catalog. Dates, attribution, location and visitor information should be verified against the institution’s current records.