How did Vincent van Gogh’s childhood in Brabant influence his interest in nature?

Vincent van Gogh’s childhood in the Brabant region of the southern Netherlands played a foundational role in his lifelong connection to the natural world. As a quiet and self-contained youth, he spent much of his free time wandering the countryside to observe nature.1

This early habit of observation established a deep-seated affinity for the landscape that persisted throughout his life. Later in his career, this interest evolved into a professional pursuit; for instance, in 1881, he began working directly from nature while staying at his father's parsonage in Etten. His artistic focus frequently returned to the countryside, particularly during his time in Nuenen, where he created works that were deeply connected to the daily lives of peasants and the land they cultivated. This formative experience in Brabant fostered an enduring artistic vision that sought to capture the living, moving essence of the natural world.2