The Potato Eaters by Vincent van Gogh - 1885 - 82 × 114 cm Van Gogh Museum The Potato Eaters by Vincent van Gogh - 1885 - 82 × 114 cm Van Gogh Museum

The Potato Eaters

oil on canvas • 82 × 114 cm
  • Vincent van Gogh - March 30, 1853 - July 29, 1890 Vincent van Gogh 1885

The Potato Eaters was Vincent van Gogh's first ambitious work. He synthesised his ideas about art and society and conceived the piece as a painting not only of peasants but for peasants. This realistic, dark masterpiece was inspired by Van Gogh's favourite artists, including Rembrandt. It is aesthetically far away from his later works, which are full of bright colours and characteristic swirls.