In 1883, Van Gogh moved from sketching and drawing to painting with oil paints. He wandered through the Netherlands, painting the landscape and the people. He enjoyed painting peasant life because he always identified with poor laborers. During this period in his life, Van Gogh painted some of the works for which he would later be universally known. What is the connotative meaning of the word identified in this sentence from the passage?

He enjoyed painting peasant life because he always identified with poor laborers.

A

The use of the word "identified" implies that Van Gogh understood and sympathized with the plight of the poor laborers.

B

The use of the word "identified" implies that Van Gogh knew many of the laborers by name.

C

The use of the word "identified" indicates that Van Gogh spent a lot of time talking to the poor laborers instead of painting.

D

The use of the word "identified" means that Van Gogh lived with the laborers for a while.