Sorrow Nude Painting by Van Gogh
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Sorrow Nude Painting by Van Gogh
Sorrow by Vincent van Gogh is one of the artist’s most important early figure studies, created in The Hague in 1882. The Museum of Modern Art holds a rare lithographic version showing a seated nude woman bent forward with her head lowered onto her arms. The composition derives from Van Gogh’s drawings of Clasina Maria “Sien” Hoornik, who frequently posed for him during his Hague period. Despite the product title “Sorrow Nude Painting,” the MoMA historical object is a lithograph rather than an oil painting. Alpha Art Gallery offers reproductions as canvas prints, fine art prints, framed prints and hand-painted interpretations.
Important Medium Correction
MoMA’s Sorrow is a lithograph from 1882. It is not an oil painting.
For buyers seeking fidelity to the character of the historical medium, a fine art print is especially appropriate. A hand-painted oil option should be described as an interpretation of the composition rather than a replica of the original technique.
The Model: Sien Hoornik
During his Hague period Van Gogh lived for a time with Sien Hoornik, who also posed for numerous figure studies. His letters from 1882 discuss both Sien and the work titled Sorrow.
The bent figure communicates exhaustion and hardship through pose alone. Her face is largely hidden, placing greater emphasis on the curve of the back, hanging hair and compressed body.
Drawing Before Colour
Sorrow belongs to the period when Van Gogh was intensely focused on drawing the human figure. This predates the brilliant colour of his Paris and Arles periods.
Line, proportion and emotional gesture are therefore more important than colour. The work shows how seriously Van Gogh approached figure drawing long before his mature Post-Impressionist paintings.
Historical Artwork Details
| Artist | Vincent van Gogh |
|---|---|
| Title | Sorrow |
| Date | 1882 |
| Created at | The Hague, Netherlands |
| Historical medium | Lithograph |
| Composition dimensions | Approximately 39.1 × 29.9 cm |
| Sheet dimensions | Approximately 46.7 × 37.1 cm |
| Genre | Nude figure study |
| Style context | Early realism |
| Current collection | The Museum of Modern Art, New York |
| Object number | 332.1951 |
Alpha Art Gallery offers reproductions of the composition rather than MoMA’s historical lithograph.
Choose Your Sorrow Reproduction
| Format | Presentation | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Art Print | Closest in spirit to the historic work on paper | Collectors and drawing-focused interiors |
| Canvas Print | Transforms the monochrome figure study into canvas wall art | Contemporary feature walls |
| Framed Print | Traditional presentation for works on paper | Studies and galleries |
| Hand-Painted Interpretation | New painted version with physical brushwork | Buyers seeking handmade wall art |
Explore canvas prints or request a tailored presentation through custom art and commissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sorrow an oil painting?
No. The MoMA version is a lithograph.
When did Van Gogh make Sorrow?
1882, during his Hague period.
Who posed for Sorrow?
The composition is associated with Sien Hoornik, who frequently modeled for Van Gogh during this period.
Where is the MoMA version?
The Museum of Modern Art in New York.
What is the MoMA object number?
332.1951.
Is this mature Post-Impressionism?
No. It belongs to Van Gogh’s early realist figure-drawing period.
Can I buy it as a fine art print?
Yes. Fine art print is especially suitable for this composition.
Does Alpha Art Gallery ship worldwide?
Yes. Free worldwide shipping is included.
| 1. Select Type |
Museum Canvas, Fine Art Paper, Hand-Painted Oil Painting, Satin Photo Paper |
|---|---|
| 2. Select Finish Option |
Rolled Canvas, Rolled- No Frame, Black Frame with Matt, White Frame with Matt, Black Frame No Matt, White Frame No Matt, Streched Canvas, Black Floating Frame, White Floating Frame, Brown Floating Frame, Rolled No Framed, Streched, Natural Floating Frame, Champagne Floating Frame, Gold Floating Frame |
| 3. Select Size |
60cm X 90cm [24" x 36"], 76cm X 114cm [30" x 45"], 82cm X 120cm [32" x 48"], 100cm X 150cm [40" x 60"], 22cm X 30cm [9" x 12"], 16.54 x 11.69"(A3), 25cm x 76cm [10" x 30"], 41cm x 61cm [16" x 24"], 20cm x 25Cm [8" x 10"], 30cm x 45Cm [12" x 18"], 35cm x 50Cm [14" x 20"], 45cm x 60 cm [18" x 24"], 35cm x 53Cm [14" x 21"], 66cm X 101cm[26" x 40"], 76cm x 116cm [30"x 46"], 50cm X 60cm [16" x 24"], 121cm X 182cm [48" x 72"], 135cm X 200cm [54" x 79"], 165cm x 205cm [65" x 81"], 183cm x 228cm [72" x 90"], 45cm x60cm [16" x 24'], 75cm X 100cm [30" x 40"], 121cm x 193cm [48" x 76"], 45cm x 60cm [16" x 24'], 50cm X 60cm 16" x 24"] |