The Old Church Tower at Nuenen ('The Peasants' Churchyard'), 1885
Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)
Oil on Canvas, 65 x 88 cm
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
(Vincent van Gogh Stichting)
F 84

Van Gogh wished this painting to reflect the simplicity and sobriety of a peasant churchyard, where SÀfor centuries the peasants have been laid to rest, among the fields in which they rooted when alive.? He saw the ruined church tower – which was demolished shortly afterwards – as expressive of the declining influence of Christianity.