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Vincent van gogh's Sorrow

Vincent van Gogh

Sorrow, by Vincent van Gogh, depicts a woman scarred by life in a way that reflects Gogh's own sadness.

About Sorrow

Who is the subject?

The subject of this piece is a pregnant woman seemingly hunched over in a wave of depression. According to historical documents such as Vincent van Gogh's letters to his brother, Theo, the woman depicted in this piece is Sien Hoornik, Gogh's former lover. Hoornik was not only Gogh's lover, but also a pregnant prostitute with four other children.

Symbolism within the Sorrow

This Isn't The Only Portrait of Sein

"I wanted to express something of the struggle for life in that pale, slender woman's figure, as well as in the black, gnarled and knotty roots.."

- Vincent van Gogh

This is only one of the many portraits Vincent van Gogh created of Hoornik. Sorrow is actually one of the most famous pieces in the series Van Gogh created of Sien. The pieces show various depictions of Sien and her daughter living in poverty. This series not only highlights the capabilities of Vincent van Gogh as an aspiring artist, but also shows the hardships of the poor class in the Netherlands during this time.

The inclusion of the flowers growing at the woman's feet represent the possibility of redemption despite the overall emotion of the piece to be sad. Vincent van Gogh himself describes the symbolism in the piece to his brother, pointing out the sadness he meant to instil within the woman figure and the dead tree.

Sorrow

Feedback

Citation

How is this style reminiscent of the post-impressionism movement Vincent van Gogh is associated with?

"Vincent Van Gogh to Theo Van

Gogh : 1 May 1882." Vincent Van Gogh to Theo Van Gogh : 1 May 1882. Web. 28 Mar. 2016.

Vincent van Gogh is known for his emotionally compelling work, how is this piece different from Gogh's later work?

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