In 1881, Vincent van Gogh's artistic journey was still in its early stages, but this year marked a period of significant development and exploration. After deciding to pursue art seriously in 1880, van Gogh continued to refine his skills and broaden his subject matter. His work in 1881 was characterized by a deepening commitment to drawing, an essential foundation for his later paintings. During this year, van Gogh was living with his parents in Etten, a village in the Netherlands. His early work in 1881 focused on rural life and the people around him, drawing inspiration from the peasant figures and the landscapes that were part of his daily environment. Van Gogh’s fascination with the lives of ordinary people is evident in his drawings from this period, which often depict laborers, weavers, and farmers engaged in their daily tasks. These works are marked by a focus on the dignity of labor, a theme that would remain central to his art throughout his life (Encyclopedia Britannica) (Van Gogh Biography). One of the significant influences on van Gogh during this time was the work of Jean-François Millet, a French Realist painter known for his depictions of rural life. Van Gogh admired Millet’s ability to portray the lives of peasants with empathy and respect, and he sought to emulate this approach in his own work. In 1881, van Gogh produced several drawings that reflect this influence, including studies of sowers, diggers, and other laborers. These early works are characterized by their attention to detail, careful composition, and a somber, earth-toned palette, reflecting both the physical toil of the subjects and the harshness of rural life (The Metropolitan Museum of Art). In addition to his focus on rural subjects, van Gogh also began to experiment with portraiture in 1881. His drawings of family members, particularly his mother and sister, show his growing interest in capturing the individuality and character of his subjects. These portraits are less about idealized beauty and more about conveying the inner life of the sitter, a theme that would become increasingly important in van Gogh’s later work (vangoghgallery). Van Gogh’s correspondence with his brother Theo during 1881 provides valuable insights into his artistic development during this period. In these letters, van Gogh discussed his artistic goals, his struggles with technique, and his ongoing study of anatomy and perspective. He was determined to improve his skills and often expressed frustration with his progress, but he remained committed to his artistic path. This year was also a time of personal turmoil for van Gogh, including a troubled romantic relationship that ultimately influenced his emotional state and, by extension, his art (Encyclopedia Britannica). 1881 was a formative year for Vincent van Gogh, as he continued to lay the groundwork for his future artistic achievements. His focus on drawing, his exploration of rural life, and his early experiments with portraiture all contributed to the development of his unique style and vision. These early works, while not as famous as his later paintings, are crucial for understanding van Gogh’s artistic evolution and the themes that would define his career.