First Steps, after Millet - Vincent Van Gogh

“First Steps, after Millet” (1890) was a remarkable oil painting created by Vincent Van Gogh. Produced in the Post-Impressionism style, this masterpiece utilizes vivid and unnatural colors to create mood and emotion, moving away from realistic representation. Van Gogh painted this piece while a patient in Saint-Paul asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a charming commune in southern France, where he painted over 150 works. While in the asylum, he duplicated a series of 21 copies of works after the renowned realist painter, John François Millet, whom he greatly admired. “First Steps, after Millet” is considered a “translation” of Millet’s work entitled “First Steps”. Van Gogh famously created a colorful version of the black-and-white original piece by Millet. 

Van Gogh’s painting beautifully depicts a tender rustic scene of a father, encouraging his toddler to take his first steps towards him in the backdrop of farmstead. The father is seen setting down his gardening tool and stretching out his arms, emboldening his child, by his gesture, to attempt walking towards him.

This warm intimate portrayal of family life can be reminiscent of the Holy Family as Jesus was growing and developing. Envision Mother Mary standing behind Baby Jesus with Saint Joseph, displaying outstretched arms towards Jesus, encouraging Him to take His first steps. It is amazing to think of how Jesus “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:7. Imagine, Jesus had to learn how to walk. In His attempt, I’m sure He fell and had to get up and try again. He continued trying, as He grew and matured in years.

Prayerful Reflection: 

Heavenly father, when we take steps towards You, sometimes we stumble and fall. Thank You for encouraging us with Your outstretched open Arms that embolden us

to keeping trying. Help us to walk on the path You have marked out for us. We love you and we trust you. Amen.