Weaver with a baby in a high chair, 1884Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)
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During the period December 1883-August 1884 Van Gogh produced sixteen independent drawings of weavers in pen or watercolour. This piece shows a weaver working intensively, in sight of a baby in a high chair. The domestic scene was inspired by the novel Silas Marner by George Eliot, in which a luckless weaver only finds happiness when a child comes into his life.
In his early years as an artist, Van Gogh lived and worked in various parts of the Netherlands.
During his time in Nuenen Van Gogh painted and drew various weavers at their looms. He was fascinated by these craftsmen and their almost ‘meditative’ appearance. A study of a spinning wheel and a woman spinning yarn belongs to the same series.
Both the drawing of the weaver and the painting of the spinning wheel are also studies in light effects, with the white and light-gray accents creating the impression of light from the outside falling on certain objects.
Bobbin Winder
Woman winding yarn
