Drawing Board, Pipe, Onions Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)

In this still life painting, Vincent van Gogh presents a collection of everyday objects on a wooden table. Dominating the foreground are several onions, some still with their green shoots, resting on a white plate, and a lone green bottle to the left. A pipe lies in front of the onions, with a small pile of tobacco next to it. To the right, a book titled Annuaire de la Santé (Health Yearbook) is propped up, with an onion resting on its cover. A lit candle in a decorative holder, a small box with a red handle, and a letter with stamps complete the arrangement. The background shows a green ceramic teapot and a patterned wallpaper.
The arrangement suggests a scene of quiet contemplation or daily life. The Annuaire de la Santé might allude to an interest in well-being or practical knowledge. The pipe and tobacco, along with the bottle, hint at personal habits or relaxation. The presence of the letter could signify communication or pending news. Van Goghs characteristic textured brushstrokes and vibrant, yet earthy, color palette imbue the seemingly simple objects with a sense of vitality and underlying emotion. The overall impression is one of humble, grounded existence, captured with intense sensitivity.