Basket with Potatoes, 1885
Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)
Oil on Canvas, 44.5 X 60 cm
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
(Vincent van Gogh Stichting)
F 100

This dark still life is a tonal exercise; that is, a study of the effects which can be achieved using varying shades of a limited number of colors. In addition, Van Gogh also sought to give a realistic depiction of the potatoes, with both solidity and SÀweight.? Some of the potatoes, however, still appear to float up towards the surface.