Realism: The Potato Eaters =]

Vincent Van Gogh, Dutch (1853-1890)

The Potato Eaters, 1885

oil on canvas; 82 x 114 cm.

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

This painting is a form of immatationalism, Vincent Van Gogh painted exactly what he named his painting: The Potato Eaters. Vincent was poor, and he saw people looking exactly like this during his lifetime. Vincent used many dark colors, to show a sad emotion and that it may not have been the happiest time for these people. Color was also used with the lamp, giving the room some brightness. He also used line in the painting, using different thicknesses to help support the light. This was also used to detail the doors and the ceiling. Another element used was shape, with the dresses' unique shapes.

In the summer of 1882, Van Gogh was beginning to experiment with oil paints. He was also influenced by impressionist paintings, and became one. During 1885, he painted still life, landscape, and figure. This painting would probably fit into the category of figure, showing a real possible scene.

http://www.metmuseum.org/TOAH/HD/gogh/hd_gogh.htm