Cart with Black Ox

A lone, dark ox stands tethered to a decrepit wooden cart, its head bowed, in this early painting by Van Gogh. Created in 1884, the scene unfolds in the village of Nuenen, before the artist moved to the vibrant south of France. The palette here is notably somber, dominated by earthy browns, grays, and deep blues, reflecting a period when Van Gogh focused on the lives of peasant laborers. The heavy brushwork, particularly visible in the cart's wheel, suggests the artist was already developing the expressive style that would define his later work. This painting, described as "disquieting," captures a moment of quiet toil and perhaps resignation, a stark contrast to the brighter, more dynamic landscapes that would follow. It was donated to the Portland Art Museum in 2007, becoming the most valuable gift the museum had received at that time.