Van Gogh painted The Sower in 1888 while in Arles, inspired by the wheat fields and farmlands surrounding him. This piece was also influenced by the works of Jean-François Millet, whom Van Gogh admired for his depictions of rural life. Van Gogh saw the sower as a symbol of renewal, inspired by his belief that nature held a profound, almost spiritual significance.

Van Gogh’s focus on the sower came from his deep empathy for the hardworking farmers he observed. The radiant sky and expressive brushstrokes convey both the harshness and beauty of a farmer’s life. Van Gogh’s fascination with this theme continued throughout his life, as he found a sense of hope in the act of planting seeds for the future. Despite his own struggles, The Sower became a visual metaphor for resilience and hope, embodying his dreams of growth and renewal amid life’s hardships. This painting remains one of Van Gogh’s most celebrated works, revered for its bold colors and the emotional depth it conveys.