The Siesta

The Siesta (1890), after Jean-François Millet, by Vincent van Gogh, depicts two laborers resting amidst a sunlit wheat field during their midday break. The painting captures the moment of repose with the figures lying on straw bales, their bodies relaxed and partially shaded by the surrounding stacks of hay. Van Gogh’s expressive brushstrokes bring texture and movement to the golden fields and blue sky, enhancing the warmth of the scene. The vibrant, complementary colors—rich yellows and deep blues—intensify the contrast between the heat of the day and the tranquility of the rest period. The presence of an ox cart and animals in the background provides context, reinforcing the pastoral and agricultural setting. Van Gogh's adaptation of Millet’s work emphasizes his admiration for the simple, honest life of the peasant, highlighting his commitment to portraying the dignity of rural labor.