His work
at Arles
During Vincent van Gogh's time in Arles, from 1888 to 1889, he experienced a period of immense artistic growth and self-discovery. Inspired by the vibrant landscapes, warm sunlight, and charming architecture of the region, van Gogh found himself immersed in a world of creativity.
Arles became a sanctuary for van Gogh, allowing him to escape the pressures of city life and immerse himself in the serene beauty of the countryside. The bright Provençal light, with its intense colors and deep shadows, influenced his artistic style profoundly. His paintings from this period, such as "The Bedroom" and "Café Terrace at Night," exude a sense of vibrant energy and atmospheric richness.
During his time in Arles, van Gogh was also deeply fascinated by the natural world. He spent countless hours exploring and capturing the essence of the local flora, producing exquisite works like "Sunflowers" and "Irises." Through these paintings, van Gogh's passion for nature shines through, with each brushstroke reflecting his deep appreciation for the beauty and transience of life.
However, van Gogh's time in Arles was not without its challenges. His ambitious nature and longing for artistic recognition led to strained relationships, including the well-known conflict with Paul Gauguin. This tension eventually resulted in van Gogh's emotional breakdown and the infamous incident where he severed his own ear.
Despite the hardships, van Gogh's time in Arles left an indelible mark on his artistic legacy. The works created during this period are celebrated for their bold colors, expressive brushwork, and emotional depth. They reflect his unique interpretation of the world around him and his relentless pursuit of artistic truth.
Van Gogh's time in Arles serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to his art. It was a period of intense productivity, personal exploration, and artistic experimentation that would shape the course of his career and influence generations of artists to come.
Bedroom in Arles
October 1888, oil on canvas. At Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. He painted a similar one during his time in Saint-Rémy.
Seascape at Saintes-Maries
June 1888, oil on canvas. At Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.
Café Terrace at Night
September 1888, oil on canvas. Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo.
La Berceuse (Augustine Roulin)
December 1888, oil on canvas. At Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo. Part of a series of portraits that Vincent made of the Roulin family.
Memory of the Garden at Etten
November 1888, oil on canvas. At Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg.
Portrait of Armand Roulin
Nov-December 1888, oil on canvas. At Museum Folkwang, Essen, Germany.
Portrait of the Artist's Mother
October 1888, oil on canvas. At Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena, USA. Is a portrait of his mother, Anna Carbentus, painted from a photograph.
Portrait of the Postman Joseph Roulin
August 1888, oil on canvas. At Detroit Institute of Arts, USA.
The Red Vineyard
November 1888, oil on canvas. At Pushkin Museum, Moscow. It is the only piece that Van Gogh sold during his life.
Starry Night Over the Rhône
September 1888, oil on canvas. At Musée d'Orsay, Paris.
Self-portrait with Bandaged Ear.
January 1889, oil on canvas At Courtauld Gallery, London. In the back is visible a Japanese woodblock print.
The sower
June 1888, oil on canvas. At Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo.
Landscape under a Stormy Sky
May 1888, oil on canvas. At a private collection.
Still Life: Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers
January 1889, oil on canvas. At Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. There another versions of this painting, one is in Philadelphia and another in Japan.
View of Arles with Irises in the Foreground
May 1888, oil on canvas. At Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.
The Yellow House
September 1888, oil on canvas. At Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.