First Steps, after Millet

In the fall and winter of 1889–90, while staying as a voluntary patient at the asylum in Saint-Rémy, Vincent van Gogh created a series of 21 paintings inspired by works of an artist he deeply admired, Jean-François Millet. Rather than copying them directly, Van Gogh described these works as “translations,” similar to the way a musician interprets a composer’s score. Working from black-and-white sources (prints, reproductions, or photographs sent by his brother Theo van Gogh), he treated the image as a starting point and improvised his own expressive color.

For this painting from January 1890, Van Gogh used a photograph of Millet’s First Steps, carefully transferring the composition to canvas before reimagining it through his colorful palette and energetic brushwork. The tender scene of a child taking its first steps toward its parents reflects Van Gogh’s deep sensitivity to family life and human connection.

We chose this touching artwork especially for Children's Day—it beautifully captures the joy, vulnerability, and wonder of a child’s earliest moments. 

P.S. Discover other stunning masterpieces by Vincent van Gogh that can brighten your space; now you can order them as museum-quality fine art prints!

P.P.S. Millet wasn't the only artist who served as inspiration for Van Gogh. See Vincent Van Gogh copying other artists!