In this vivid capture of rural life, two women are engaged in the age-old tradition of olive picking, beautifully portrayed through the expressive brushstrokes that are characteristic of van Gogh's style. One woman, perched on a tall ladder, reaches out to pluck olives from a bough, her presence imbued with a sense of both struggle and harmony with nature. Below, her companion stands serenely, cradling a wicker basket laden with olives, an emblem of labor and sustenance. The undulating landscape around them, with its gnarled olive trees swaying gently in the breeze, also speaks to the cyclical nature of work in the fields, a nod to van Gogh’s familiarity with the agricultural life of his subjects.

The color palette is striking—lush greens of the trees contrast against the soft, warm hues of the sky which seem to dance around a lively pink and cream backdrop. Van Gogh’s characteristic thick application of paint creates texture and depth on the canvas; each stroke pulsates with life, giving the viewer the illusion of movement, as if the olive branches sway in response to the laborers' efforts. The emotional impact of the painting transcends mere depiction; the viewer is drawn into the serene yet industrious world of these women, allowing a moment of reflection on the quiet strength of women in the rural landscape of France during the late 19th century. The historical context of this piece, created during van Gogh’s time in Arles, reflects not just artistic beauty but also a profound acknowledgment of the simple, yet essential work that sustains communities.