Early Van Gogh Sketch Sells for Over $1.48 Million at Bonhams London Auction

'Sien's mother's house seen from the back yard' by Vincent van Gogh — *‘Sien’s mother’s house seen from the back yard’* by Vincent van Gogh © Bonhams

BY MARK ANDERSON

An early sketch by Vincent van Gogh, Sien’s Mother’s House Seen from the Backyard (1882), sold for £1,137,400 (approximately $1,487,000) during Bonhams 20th/21st Century Art Week in London. Created in May 1882, just a year after Van Gogh began his artistic career, the work reflects his early focus on everyday scenes and Dutch Realism.

Bonhams’ Head of Impressionist and Modern Art, Hannah Noel-Smith, commented, “It is no surprise that the exceptional works for Delvaux and Van Gogh came out on top in these sales. Both were impressive examples and an asset to any collection.”

'Sien's mother's house seen from the back yard' by Vincent van Gogh © Bonhams — *‘Sien’s mother’s house seen from the back yard’* by Vincent van Gogh © Bonhams

The sketch dates to Van Gogh’s time in The Hague, where he devoted himself to capturing working-class life and humble domestic settings. Often using dark, muted tones, Van Gogh drew inspiration from his surroundings and the struggles of ordinary people.

During this time, he frequently created studies of rural laborers, cottages, and landscapes, producing works such as Woman with a Spade and Old Man with a Beard. His dedication to realism was influenced by artists like Jean-François Millet, whose depictions of peasant life resonated deeply with him.

During this period, Van Gogh was in a relationship with Clasina Maria “Sien” Hoornik, whose life as a struggling single mother inspired many of his works. The house in the sketch belonged to Hoornik’s mother, reflecting Van Gogh’s intimate connection to his subjects.

Though Van Gogh created over 2,000 works in his short career, he sold very few during his lifetime. Today, his artworks are among the most sought-after in the world, and this sale highlights the enduring fascination with the artist’s life and legacy.

BY MARK ANDERSON

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