Noon – Rest from Work (after Millet) By Vincent Van Gogh
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Noon – Rest from Work (after Millet) By Vincent Van Gogh
Noon – Rest from Work (after Millet) by Vincent van Gogh, also known as The Siesta or La Méridienne, was painted at Saint-Rémy between December 1889 and January 1890. Van Gogh based the composition on Jean-François Millet’s rural imagery, translating the original black-and-white design into an intensely coloured scene of two farm workers sleeping beside a haystack during the midday rest. The historic oil-on-canvas work measures approximately 73 × 91 cm and is held by the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. Alpha Art Gallery offers canvas, fine art, framed and 100% hand-painted oil reproductions.
Van Gogh After Jean-François Millet
Van Gogh deeply admired Jean-François Millet and repeatedly reinterpreted his images of farmers and rural labourers. He did not view these works as mechanical copies.
Instead, Van Gogh described the process as translating the original into another language—the language of colour. Millet’s black-and-white design supplied the composition, while Van Gogh supplied his own palette, brushwork and emotional intensity.
What Does Noon – Rest from Work Depict?
A man and woman rest in the shade of a haystack during a break from agricultural labour. Their tools and shoes lie nearby, while a cart and harvested field establish the rural setting.
The subject is quiet and ordinary: not heroic labour itself, but the physical need to stop working during the hottest part of the day.
Complementary Colour
The Musée d’Orsay emphasizes Van Gogh’s use of complementary colour in the work. Strong blue-violet passages contrast with yellow and orange, intensifying the scene far beyond the tonal black-and-white source.
The resulting painting remains faithful to Millet’s arrangement while becoming unmistakably Van Gogh in colour and brushwork.
Historical Artwork Details
| Artist | Vincent van Gogh |
|---|---|
| After | Jean-François Millet |
| Official title | La Méridienne |
| Alternative title | The Siesta / Noon: Rest from Work |
| Date | December 1889–January 1890 |
| Created at | Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France |
| Original medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | Approximately 73 × 91 cm |
| Genre | Rural figure scene |
| Movement | Post-Impressionism |
| Current collection | Musée d’Orsay, Paris |
| Accession number | RF 1952 17 |
The historical original is held by the Musée d’Orsay. Alpha Art Gallery offers reproductions and does not imply museum affiliation or endorsement.
Choose Your Noon Rest from Work Reproduction
| Format | Presentation | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas Print | Broad rural composition on textured canvas | Living rooms and feature walls |
| Fine Art Print | Traditional printed presentation | Collectors of Millet and Van Gogh |
| Framed Print | Finished structured display | Studies and classic interiors |
| Hand-Painted Oil Reproduction | Actual painted texture and brushwork | Buyers wanting handmade character |
Alpha Art Gallery offers 400–450 GSM canvas prints and individually created oil painting reproductions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Van Gogh invent this composition?
No. He based the composition on Jean-François Millet’s rural design and translated it into his own colour language.
When was it painted?
Musée d’Orsay dates the work to December 1889–January 1890.
Where is the original?
The original is held by the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.
What does the painting depict?
Two agricultural workers sleeping during a midday break beside a haystack.
Is it a seascape?
No. The old nautical and boat tags are incorrect. This is a rural agricultural figure scene.
How large is the original?
Approximately 73 × 91 cm.
Can I buy it on canvas?
Yes. Multiple canvas sizes are available.
Is worldwide shipping free?
Yes. Alpha Art Gallery provides free worldwide shipping.
Bring Van Gogh’s Interpretation of Millet Into Your Space
Noon – Rest from Work combines Millet’s humane rural subject with Van Gogh’s vivid complementary colour and expressive paint. Choose canvas, fine art, framed or hand-painted presentation for your interior.
| 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"] |