First Steps (after Millet) Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)

This painting, First Steps (after Millet), depicts a charming scene of domestic life in a rural setting, rendered in Vincent van Goghs characteristic post-impressionist style.

What I see:

The central focus is a young child, dressed in blue overalls and a brown hat, kneeling on the ground and reaching out with both arms. The childs posture strongly suggests an attempt to take their first steps, with an eager and perhaps slightly wobbly stance. Facing the child is an adult figure, likely a mother, dressed in a blue dress and bonnet. She is standing upright, holding something in her arms, possibly a baby or a bundle. Her gaze is directed towards the child, and her stance suggests encouragement and anticipation.

The background is a lush, somewhat wild garden. Trees with flowering branches, possibly apple or cherry trees, create a vibrant canopy overhead, their leaves and blossoms rendered with energetic brushstrokes of green, white, and yellow. A wash line with clothes hanging to dry is visible behind the figures, adding to the sense of everyday domestic activity. The ground is covered with grass and scattered small stones or dirt. A cart wheel is partially visible on the left side of the frame. The overall color palette is dominated by greens, blues, and earthy tones, with touches of yellow and white in the blossoms.

Subtexts:

• The Universal Milestone of Childhood: The most obvious subtext is the celebration of a significant moment in human development – a childs first steps. This is a moment of independence, growth, and future potential, universally recognized and cherished.
• Maternal Love and Support: The adult figure embodies maternal love, encouragement, and a watchful presence. Her readiness to catch or guide the child highlights the protective and nurturing role of a parent.
• The Beauty of Rural Life and Labor: Van Gogh was deeply inspired by the lives of peasants and rural laborers, often depicting them with dignity and respect. Even in this domestic scene, the wash line and the natural setting allude to the simple, honest work and life of the countryside.
• Hope and Optimism: The bright, blooming trees and the forward momentum of the child reaching out all contribute to a sense of hope and optimism regarding the future. Its a snapshot of life at its beginning, full of promise.
• Van Goghs Connection to Millet: The title after Millet is crucial. Jean-François Millet was renowned for his depictions of rural life and peasant subjects. By referencing Millet, Van Gogh is not just copying but engaging in a dialogue with a revered artist, interpreting and reinterpreting those themes through his own unique vision and emotional intensity. He might be seeking to capture the same spirit of honest labor and human dignity that Millet conveyed, but through his more intensely expressive style.
• The Simplicity and Purity of Youth: The childs nascent independence, unburdened by adult complexities, represents a state of innocence and pure potential. The composition emphasizes this purity by placing the child in the natural, untamed beauty of the garden.