May Premier Antique & Collectibles
Lot 31:
Description
Signed (lower right)
Image Dimensions: 44 x 37 cm (17 1/2 x 14 1/2 in)
Framed Dimensions: 55 x 48 cm (21 5/8 x 18 7/8 in)
This lot is accompanied by a consignor-provided COA or related documentation, offered as received.
Vincent van Gogh, born in 1853 in Zundert, Netherlands, was a central figure of Post-Impressionism, renowned for his powerful color use, thick impasto, and emotionally charged brushwork. Merging nature, figures, and inner emotion, he developed a unique artistic language. Although his life was brief and troubled, he produced over 2,000 works, leaving an enduring influence on 20th-century modern art.
"Le semeur" is one of van Gogh’s key subjects during his period in Arles, France. The painting depicts a farmer sowing seeds in the early morning or late afternoon light. The figure, dressed in dark clothing, strides forward with measured strength, scattering seeds onto the earth. Behind him, a massive golden sun dominates the upper center of the composition, radiating brilliance and contrasting sharply with the cool blues and purples of the land below. The farmer’s silhouette is outlined by sunlight, emphasizing his resilience and humility.
Van Gogh employs high-saturation colors and swirling, radiating strokes to merge the heat of sunlight with the solid texture of the land. The foreground is depicted with interwoven purples, blues, and greens, creating rich tonal variation that maintains depth and vitality even under intense light. The figure’s simple, rhythmic movement symbolizes the constancy of labor and the continuity of life.
The sower theme holds deep symbolic meaning in van Gogh’s oeuvre, inspired both by his direct observation of rural life and by the influence of French painter Jean-Fran?ois Millet. It represents hope, toil, and the cycles of time, leading van Gogh to revisit it multiple times during his Arles period. Comparable works are held in major institutions such as the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the Musee d’Orsay in Paris. On the market, Arles-period sowers are highly sought after, with auction results between GBP 25 million and GBP 50 million from 2021 to 2024, and particularly intense and well-composed examples surpassing GBP 60 million.
From an art historical perspective, "Le semeur" embodies van Gogh’s color experimentation and emotional expressiveness during his Arles period, while also reflecting his poetic contemplation of the relationship between humans and nature. The fusion of symbolic meaning and visual impact makes it a vital case study in understanding van Gogh’s artistic spirit.
Regarding spatial adaptability, the striking color contrasts and commanding central composition make this work a focal point in modern, classical, or eclectic interiors. Whether displayed in a private gallery, public exhibition, or luxury residence, it brings both power and warmth to the space.
This "Le semeur, " with its profound symbolism, vivid color execution, and mature artistry of the Arles period, offers both significant art historical value and strong market potential, making it a key acquisition for long-term collectors.
Condition: ALL PROPERTY IS SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH NO RETURNS OR CANCELLATIONS.
Additional photographs and condition reports may be provided upon request as a courtesy only. Any condition report, catalogue description, image, certificate, report, document, authentication statement, authentication opinion, specialist opinion, or communication regarding origin, date, age, attribution, authenticity, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, or value is an opinion only and not a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Yakon Auctions.
The absence of reference to defects, restoration, wear, damage, handling marks, conservation, alteration, or repair does not mean the lot is free from such matters. Photographs are for reference only and may not accurately reflect color, tone, dimensions, condition, signature details, or the true state of the lot. Buyers should review all images carefully, as they form part of the description.
Provenance is provided by the consignor, prior owner, or most recent owner and may not be supported by records. All reports, COAs, appraisals, authentication letters, provenance statements, invoices, labels, or related documents, including any opinions, analyses, or conclusions therein, are provided as received from the consignor, prior owner, or third party, and have not been independently verified by Yakon Auctions. Such materials are for reference only and are not guarantees of authenticity, authorship, signature, origin, age, period, provenance, condition, or value.
All artworks, antiques, collectibles, autographed items, signed memorabilia, music memorabilia, records, photographs, posters, entertainment collectibles, and related items are offered based on information and documentation provided with the lot. Unless expressly stated, Yakon Auctions has not independently authenticated any signature, inscription, attribution, authorship, association, provenance, pressing detail, edition, period, origin, or related documentation.
Terms such as "attributed to, " "after, " "manner of, " "circle of, " "school of, " "in the artist’s style, " or similar language mean the lot is not guaranteed to be by the named artist, maker, signer, studio, or period. Exact authorship, origin, attribution, or date may be unknown, and the lot may not be included in any official catalogue raisonne, archive, registry, or recognized reference source.
Yakon Auctions makes no express or implied warranties or guarantees regarding authenticity, authorship, signature, origin, age, period, condition, provenance, attribution, description, value, or marketability. Buyers are responsible for due diligence and should seek independent expert advice before bidding.
No return, refund, cancellation, or bid retraction will be accepted based on disputes regarding authenticity, attribution, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, description, estimated value, market value, or buyer’s post-sale opinion.
Original invoices, reports, certificates, or documents shown in listings will be included only if all items listed on that document are purchased. If only part relates to the purchased lot, a digital copy may be provided upon request at Yakon Auctions’ discretion.
Please bid responsibly. If you do not agree with auction sale principles, the "As Is" nature of the property, or the binding nature of bidding, please do not bid.
For inquiries, please contact Support@yakonauctions.com .
Share this lot:
