Inspiration and Influence

The painting is a copy of a work by the French artist Jean-François Millet, whom Van Gogh greatly admired. Van Gogh often created copies of Millet's works during his confinement, as he had limited access to models and was deeply influenced by Millet's focus on everyday life scenes.

Technique and Style

The painting is an oil on canvas, measuring 72.4 x 91.1 cm. It exemplifies Van Gogh's Post-Impressionist style, characterized by vibrant, textured brushwork and bold, expressive strokes. The scene depicts a child taking its first steps, supported by a standing woman and encouraged by a kneeling man, set against a lively and verdant background. The figures are dressed in striking blue and white, contrasting with the yellowish-green hues of the foliage.

Creation Process

Van Gogh used a photograph of Millet's original work, sent by his brother Theo, as a reference. He would often square up these photographs and transfer them to the canvas before improvising with color, treating these copies as "translations" similar to a musician's interpretation of a composer's work.

Provenance

The painting has had several owners since its creation. It was initially sent to Theo van Gogh in Paris on April 29, 1890. It later passed through various collectors, including Karl Ernst Osthaus, Alfred Flechtheim Art Gallery, and Julius Oppenheimer, before being gifted to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City by Mr. and Mrs. George N. Richard in 1964.

Current Location

The painting is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where it remains part of the museum's collection.