Category: Vincent van Gogh

The Potato Eaters by Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh was a renowned artist born in 1853 in Netherlands. He left a legacy of rich paintings that could be easily recognized and appreciated across generations. Since his father was a clergy, he grew up in a religious household. He learned how to trade with art dealers from his uncle.

He also studied theology while he was still in his homeland. He later worked as a minister of the gospel in spite of the challenges. It was the same time when he gradually began to develop interest in the art of painting. This essay argues that the popularity and generational acceptance of the Potato Eaters were largely influenced by the primitive appearance of the piece of art.

One of the most profound pieces of art produced by Vincent Van Gogh was known as the Potato Eaters. This was his first artwork. He created it in 1885 at a time when he was still a novice in the field of professional painting. As a matter of fact, he had minimal painting skills when he created this first piece of art. Nonetheless, the response from art lovers was amazing. The piece was indeed interesting from the external look. In addition, the overall feeling generated from the Potato Eaters was fascinating.

His main aim when producing the first piece of painting was to create a lasting impression to the audience so that it would be easy to promote his subsequent pieces of art. He painted human figures that appeared to be real.

The figures had a dark background bearing in mind that the room was also poorly lit. In order to create the intended impression, some dim source of light can be seen emanating from a lamp positioned on the wall. There is a square table with five people sited around it. In fact, the five individuals are shown eating potatoes together.

Out of the five people, only one is male while the remaining four are females. The faces of the five people eating potatoes reveal mixed emotions. According to van Tilborgh (2009), the audience can visualize their faces and associated emotions in spite of the dim light originating from the oil lamp. In addition, the intense nature of the occupants sitting around the table can be felt by the audience.

It appears as if the audience can surely hear the conversation that is going on among the potato eaters. The fine details of the painting can be examined and questioned by the audience owing to the vibrancy of the layered pieces in spite of the prevailing darkness. Some of the fine details that can be seen in the Potato Eaters painting are described below.

First, the back of the painted piece contains rafter boards. A window can be seen in the background darkness. This has been represented using lines that generally appear soft and gentle. The potatoes are contained in a large platter perhaps to satisfy the five occupants.

Their fingers appear bony even as they stretch them to reach out for the potatoes. In addition, a woman who is sitting towards the right side of the table is serving a drink that looks like coffee. There is also a large rectangular column positioned at the rear end of the square table. The column is apparently acting as a pillar that supports the structure. The table is evidently old bearing in mind that its edges appear rugged and weathered.

The subtle aspects described above are a clear indication that the five people are the occupants of the house and are most likely using it as their place of residence. The artist did not create or develop this piece of painting in a hurry. He had planned for it in advance. His initial plan was to paint several pieces of art that could date as early as 1883. In fact, he had a sketch of this painting long before developing it. Several sketches and trials of the same painting enabled him to eventually come up with the final product.

The reversed lithograph prints of the Potato Eaters attempts to highlight with aspect of unity during strife with little success. The artist should have added more serene effects that depict peace and stability amidst social struggles.

The form of Van Goghs Potato Eaters indeed illustrates a type of art with an intentional selection of composition which is cumbersome to prove. The painting illuminates the notion that the five people have toiled on earth for a long time to earn a living. It is crucial to underscore the fact that Potato Eaters emphasizes the cruel reality of difficult lifestyle of these peasants. As can be seen, the five figures are crowded in a small cottage which is dimly lit.

Even though the impression of struggle to survive is evident in this piece of art, Van Gogh should have employed more constricting and dark colors. The greens and browns used in the painting tend to limit the artists palette and slightly minimize the intended mental image. This implies that the author should have intensified the effects by at least adding some highlights in the painting. Nonetheless, it is still possible to appreciate the hidden composition and form of the Potato Eaters in spite of the missing effects (Jones, 2003).

On the other hand, the audience can vividly notice the rough hands and coarse faces that have faced difficult times. The bony fingers that are equally large alongside other scrawny features appeal even more to the reality facing these five people.

As much as the piece of art may be dismissed by some critics as a primitive composition, it is the same imperfections visualized in the painting that make it stand out among others.

Theory of naturalism and the Potato Eaters

When a natural setting is used to depict realistic objects, it advocates for the theory of naturalism. From the Potato Eaters piece of art, objects, places and people have been represented in the most natural manner. This naturalistic representation deviates from intentional idealization or stylization of the aspects described above. Hence, details have been depicted accurately and in the most attentive manner. Hence, it can be argued that objects, places, and people have been represented in a factual, accurate and consistent style.

For example, all the five faces depict emotions that the audience can easily identify. The table, cups, potatoes and other objects around the five people represent the everyday organic life. Besides, the casual lives of the five individuals who are peasants have been depicted in a natural and realistic manner.

The portrayal of body parts have not been exaggerated at all. It is equally interesting to learn that both two and three-dimensional forms can be seen in the piece of painting. These elements add the much-needed naturalistic feeling required in such piece of art (Crispino, 2008).

Realism and factual presentation of facts have also been portrayed through the choice of colors. The hands and faces of the occupants of this building have been represented using earthly colors. This type of coloration tends to depict the fact these peasants have gone through difficult times of toiling to make life better. A sense of struggle is also evident in the colors used to paint the piece of art.

Historical significance

The Potato Eaters came at a time when there was social exclusion and separation between the rich and poor in society. People who eat potatoes are likely to be feeding on an incomplete diet. The latter may have possibly been contributed by abject poverty.

While in Holland, Van Gogh lived a marginal life. This is the same kind of lifestyle demonstrated in this painting. It can also be recalled that he did not go through the education system successful and even after securing some job as an art dealer; his life was still full of struggles. He was eventually compelled by the hard circumstances in life to learn the art of drawing and painting.

Surprisingly, he did the latter by himself. He had no teacher to guide him through the learning process. These are clear indications that the historical times were difficult in the life of many people (Crispino, 2008).

Conclusion

Although the Potato Eaters may have been presented in form of a bourgeois piece of art, the seemingly barbaric images are indeed in line with the reality of society when Van Gogh was painting the art.

References

Crispino, E. (2008). Van Gogh. New York: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

Jones, J. (2003). The Potato Eaters, Vincent Van Gogh (1885). Web.

Van Tilborgh, L. (2009). The Potato Eaters by Vincent van Gogh. Web.

Van Goghs works  Vase with 12 Sunflowers and Still Life with Absinthe  perpetuate certain objects in various stages of development and refer to different contexts. Both artistic pieces represent different color palettes and depict various objects, but there are still a number of similarities.

While analyzing the differences, specific emphasis should be placed on the analysis of light and shadow technique, object representation, material representation, and position of the objects in the painting.

To begin with, artistic work 1 (Sunflowers) introduces yellow, ochre, and bright colors, except for the blue wall on the background. In contrast, there is a much greater variety of colors in the second artistic work. Second, the first painting focuses on one subject  flowers represented at different life stages, whereas Still, Life with Absinthe focuses on two main objects and people depicted in the background, which contributes to the dynamics of the work. Third, the artists choose the object made of different materials. Thus, in the first work, the ceramic vase is the central object of the composition, whereas the second painting represents two objects made of glass. Finally, the second artistic piece implies many more details, including windows, furniture, and people outside the house, which can distract the viewers from the central composition.

Despite a great number of differences, there are certain similarities. This is of particular concern to the theme, colors, and contextual ground. To begin with, both paintings are performed predominantly in warm, yet dull color palettes. Second, both artistic works focus on particular lifecycle stages, representing the inevitability of existence. In particular, each sunflower depicted in the first painting introduces a specific period in life, whereas the second picture focuses on the solitary life of a house owner because there are only one glass and one bottle on the table.

Finally, it is possible to define the season of the year in both paintings, although in different ways. For instance, the vase with sunflowers could refer to the later summer. The weather distinctions can be clarified while looking at the background of the second artistic work. Dynamic representation of objects can also be traced in both paintings, which points to the constant flow of life and inevitability of the lethal outcome. Existential motifs are implicitly represented as well.

Works Cited

Van Gogh, Vincent. Still Life with Absinthe. n. d. Web.

Van Gogh, Vincent. Vase with 12 Sunflowers. n. d. Web.

Introduction

• The paintings of impressionists are bright and imaginative.
• The art encourages creativity and promotes inspiration.
• The Starry Night painting is used as the object of inspiration.
• Individual work is based on the technique of Van Gogh.
• The comparison of two pieces of art can be performed.
• The analysis of the artists canvas through its context.
• Van Goghs style is the basis for the inspiration piece creation.

Inspiration Piece

• Van Goghs The Starry Night was created in 1889 (Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France) (Richardson, Rusyniak, Rusyniak, & Rodning, 2017, p. 389).
• The landscape of the city is depicted at night.
• The main elements of the painting are the stars and the moon.
• A special drawing method makes the image dynamic.
• The brushstroke technique and color combinations are unique (Artble, 2018).
• Expressive distortion on the canvas is achieved purposefully.
• Space is delimited by objects of different sizes.

Context and Artistic Movement

• The masterpiece was painted by van Gogh during the treatment period.
• The canvas was created by the artists memory (Richardson et al., 2017).
• This painting is one of van Goghs most dynamic works.
• The Starry Night is made in the style of post-impressionism.
• The technique of creation is canvas and oil.
• The artist sought to emphasize the beauty of the night.
• The canvas is kept in the Museum of Modern Art in New York (Artble, 2018).

Individual Art Piece Description

• Van Goghs landscape is taken as a basis.
• The image is created with bright color markers.
• The brushstroke style is similar to that of van Gogh.
• The name of this piece of art is The Sea Coast.
• Dynamics is the main purpose of the image.
• Sea waves, mountains, and the sun are the main objects.
• The emphasis on several parts allows focusing viewers attention.

Thematic Connection Between the Two Pieces

When drawing analogies between the individual art piece and the work of the great artist, some similar features may be traced. For instance, to create two paintings, the identical technique of brush strokes was chosen, which is distinguished by dynamism and, at the same time, smooth lines. The purpose of both pieces is to display the beauty of nature through bright colors and an emphasis on individual elements. Landscapes are shown in a similar style, and some shades are the same, in particular, the palette of van Goghs night sky and the color of the waves in individual work.

Also, there are some distinctive features in both art pieces. In the work of van Gogh, the canvas has a solid oil coating, and in the individual picture, a part of the space is not used. The landscape itself is different because the artist focuses on the starry sky, and in the personal piece, a sunny day at the seaside is depicted. Tools for creating paintings are also not the same: van Gogh applies oil paint, and in the individual work, colored markers are used.

The impact of both art pieces on the audience is similar since an identical style can be traced in the paintings. There are no characters, which draws attention to nature and focuses on individual elements. A gradual study allows considering the paintings performance style in detail. Philosophical overtones are absent, and both pieces are aimed at keeping viewers imagination. An opportunity to compare two paintings helps us to determine the typical painting style of van Gogh and evaluate the mastery of the artist depicting the landscape in a dynamic manner.

References

Artble. (2018). Starry Night analysis. Web.

Richardson, B. A., Rusyniak, A. M., Rusyniak, J. W., & Rodning, C. B. (2017). Neuroanatomical interpretation of the painting Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh. Neurosurgery, 81(3), 389-396. Web.

Vincent Willem van Gogh is a Dutch artist born on March 30, 1853, in Groot Zundert in the North Brabant province of Noord-Brabant, bordering Belgium. Memories of the famous artist about the beginning of life were sad, the childhood time was associated with darkness, coldness, and emptiness.

The period of creativity, representing the first works performed in Drenthe, is notable for realism, but they express the artists individual manners key characteristics. The Parisian period of 1886-1888 in the creative biography of Van Gogh is light; the leitmotif is soft blue, bright yellow, and fiery shades. The manner of writing conveys movement, the stream of life. The man on the canvas acquires a secondary role, and the main thing is the light world of nature, its airiness, the richness of colors, and their subtlest transitions. Van Gogh discovers the newest trend  post-impressionism.

In 1888, Van Gogh, worried about the audiences misunderstanding, left for the southern French city of Arles. Arles became a city in which Vincent understood his works purpose: not to seek to reflect the real visible world, but to express his inner I with the help of color and simple techniques. The attractiveness of the style of Van Goghs works of the heyday is in the contradiction between the striving for a harmonious outlook and the realization of ones own helplessness in front of a disharmonious world. The works of 1888, full of light and festive nature, coexist with gloomy phantasmagoric images.

The artist plans to establish a society that will unite novice geniuses who will reflect humanitys future. To open society, Vincent is helped by Theos funds. Van Gogh assigned the leading role to Paul Gauguin. When Gauguin arrived, they quarreled to the point that Van Gogh, on December 23, 1888, almost cut his throat. Gauguin managed to escape, and Van Gogh, repenting, cut off part of his earlobe. He was sent to a mental hospital, where he still has the opportunity to paint.

Since May 1889, Van Gogh has been living in Saint-Remy. He writes more than 150 large things and about 100 drawings and watercolors in a year, demonstrating his mastery of halftones and contrast techniques. He paints about 150 paintings (Naifeh & Smith, 2011). Some of the most outstanding canvases of this period were: Starry Night, Irises, Road with Cypress and Star, Olive Trees with the Alpilles in the Background, and Pieta.

On July 27, 1890, Van Gogh was fatally wounded by a pistol. It is unknown whether the shot was planned or accidental, but the artist died a day later. Over ten years of creativity, over 2,100 works have appeared, of which about 860 are made in oils. Van Gogh became the founder of Expressionism, Post-Impressionism, and his principles formed the basis of Fauvism and Modernism.

Reference

Naifeh, S. W., & Smith, G. W. (2011). Van Gogh: The Life. Random House Incorporated.

Introduction

The paintings created by the two artists are similar in several aspects. The artists completed the paintings around the same era. The time difference between the completion of the first painting (The Goose Girl) and the second one (The Rocks) was only thirteen years. The works of both artists focused on creating impression about diverse aspects of their everyday life encounters.

Impressionism connotes the artistry involving the creation of impressions about nature and landscape. It is notable that Camille Pissarro painted “The Goose Girl at Montfoucault, White Frost” (Pissarro). The painting signifies a countryside scene. The inclusion of a figure of a human being, a tree, and landscape makes the scene discernible. The artist incorporated domestic geese appearing at the center of scene. Vincent van Gogh painted “The Rocks” thirteen years later.

The artistic ability to create impressions through paintings started in the late 19^th Century. The creativity emerged in Paris when artists started painting impressions to reflect their current landscapes. The impressionists moved away from the norm of art those days. Notably, many paintings incorporated historical features that signified painter’s inspiration.

The artworks created by impressionists had noticeable themes. Impressionists also added unique brush movements that made their artworks outstanding. In addition, impressionism influenced the emergence of postimpressionism. Postimpressionists were inspired by the need to improve on the works produced by impressionists.

It is notable that Vincent van Gogh is one of the foremost postimpressionists. Postimpressionists commented on the impressionists approach to create artworks that appeared on a natural landscape.

The impressionists applied light and color to create their artworks. Postimpressionists hailed the value of artificial pictures as a form of art. They noted the specific limitations in the impressionists’ artworks, which inspired their approach. Postimpressionists employed the use of thick paints and brushes with larger strokes to generate their paintings (Stokstad and Michael 23).

The subsequent section presents an analysis of the two paintings. Much as many people have discussed the differences in arts between the impressionism and postimpressionism, this paper relies on visual observation of “The Goose Girl at Montfoucault” by Camille Pissarro and “The Rocks” by Vincent van Gogh to show how the paintings exemplify the notable similarities and distinctiveness of the two eras.

Analysis of the Goose girl an Montfoucault and the Rocks

The two paintings incorporate understandable differences and resemblances. Camille Pissarro painted “The Goose girl at Montfoucault” in 1875 (Pissarro). The painting represents a normal life of people living on the countryside. “Vincent van Gogh created ‘The Rocks’ in1888” (Van Gogh).

Vincent van Gogh work represents a feature in the environment characterized by blue and green color. A critical observation of the two artworks reveals certain features that represent changes implemented by artists from impressionism to postimpressionism (Van Gogh).

The Goose Girl at Montfoucault

The artwork by Camille Pissarro has features represented on a landscape. It creates an impression of a landscape in a natural environment. In the setting, a figure representing a girl stands closer to the domestic geese on a landscape. The domestic geese occupy the central part of the painting.

The painting also has a tree and other vegetation on the landscape. These remain the essential aspects of impressionism. The impressionists showed more interest in representing a normal and routine life in the countryside by capturing it on the landscape.

The quality of brushstroke is evident in the painting. In particular, the painting has rough brushstrokes and lighter paint. The brushstroke shows a direction of movement but not very specific. The artist’s application of color is also evident. The observation process reveals the use of a finer and light color (Pissarro). The artwork has a color movement. The variations of color theme in the painting tell a story about the landscape.

For example, the varying color as the geese leaves the enclosure tells something about the background. Indicatively, the figure of the girl draws attention in the viewpoint within the scene. Anyone viewing the painting immediately sees the girl. The artist seems to be looking slightly downwards on the landscape (Pissarro). This gives additional features in the background but with the focus being the girl tending to the geese.

Camille Pissarro also applied light in varying degrees while developing the artwork. Notably, light and color application emerged as the strong aspects of impressionists work. In this case, Camille Pissarro has used both light and color to depict an aspect of the impressionism era. The color and light depicts autumn season and a specific time during day (Pissarro). The vegetation losing their leaves proves that it a frosty season. The painter used color to bring into focus the large tree that has lost its foliage.

The relatively calm and chilly outlook depicted by the painting gives the viewers a perception of the normal quite countryside. Camille Pissarro succeeded in applying varying textures to depict diverse features of a natural environment. Particularly, the textures reveal the difference in grass type, tree leaves, earth surface, and stones among others (Pissarro).

It is notable that the quality of objects in the painting aims at revealing materiality of paint used by the painter. The textures of objects represented also communicate the same aspect of materiality of the paint. Impressionists normally attempt to place the object, which is the focal point closer to the scene (Stokstad and Michael 210).

The painting has placed the tree, the girl, and the domestic animals closer to each other for the viewers. The landscape enhances the closeness between these objects. Camille Pissarro depicts a sense of the depth between the objects (Pissarro). For example, Camille Pissarro ensured that the size of the girl and the domestic animals have varying lengths thus depicting the sense of depth. The application of optical illusions enabled Camille Pissarro to develop contours and volumes.

Evidently, the figure of the girl plays an insignificant role in the painting. The painter was not very far away from the object of interest. However, the presence of a human being in the painting provides a sense of life and culture (Pissarro). The fact that Camille Pissarro decided to hide the individuality of the girl may further indicate its insignificance.

The Rocks

The artwork incorporates features that symbolize postimpressionistic landscape. Vincent van Gogh being the foremost postimpressionist had a vision for the artwork of that era. The painting appears to show the aspects of a rocky topography. It appears that Vincent van Gogh faced a difficult time developing this painting as shown by the strong breeze (Van Gogh).

Postimpressionists use heavy paints. This is depicted in the painting where the landscape has a thick and heavy paint. The heavy paint is also evident beyond the rocky topography. The painting depicts a given color of the sky at a particular time in the day. The completion with the yellow and pink colors gave the painting a deep theme.

The viewpoint of the scene reveals that artist was at a raised point. The rocks are sitting on a flat topography. An individual looking at the painting quickly shifts attention beyond the rocky topography. This further reveals the painter’s position on the landscape (Van Gogh). The painter utilized heavy brushstrokes.

The brushstrokes moved in opposing directions. The appearance of the grass, plants, and the main trees swayed by the breeze towards one direction shows a windy day. The curvatures of the contour in the rocks boundaries show the application of lines in paintings (Van Gogh).

Postimpressionists normally apply thick paint in diverse color shades as depicted in the painting. Vincent van Gogh did not provide a focal point in his painting (Van Gogh). The painter was near the rock. He did not focus on creating a sense of depth although he was closer to the scenery. A water body surrounds the rocks (Van Gogh). The coastline stretched out thus making it difficult to comprehend the magnitude of the water body.

Conclusion

In summary, the two artworks “The Goose Girl and The Rocks” show the advancement from impressionism to postimpressionism. The artists applied the use of lines differently. On the Goose Girl, Pissarro used line movement to expose certain aspects of her painting. For example, Pissarro used the movement of the lines to create a landscape and the other figures. On the contrary, Vincent van Gogh employed the lines to expose the notion of movement of diverse features.

Works Cited

Stokstad, Marilyn, and Michael W. Cothren. Art History: Portable Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2011. Print.

Van Gogh, Vincent. The Rocks. 1888. Web.

Pissarro, Camille. The Goose Girl at Montfoucault. 1875. 1 May 2013.

This paper is aimed at examining the artistic works that Vincent van Gogh created during the last eight years of his life. During this period, this painter was able to elaborate many of his techniques. Moreover, he succeeded in developing a distinct style of painting that distinguished him among other artists. In particular, one can speak about thick layers of paint and vivid colors.

At first, one can mention such as work as The Potato Eaters which was painted in 1885. At that time, van Gogh followed the principles outlined by the so-called Barbizon school. The representatives of this school were interested in the depiction of rural life. In turn, van Gogh portrays peasants who are eating potatoes.

The artist strives to show that the characters were reduced to virtually sub-human condition. The main attribute of this painting is its dark palette because it highlights the depressing life of people depicted by the artist. Another aspect which should be considered is the course brushwork applied by the painter. This picture is one of the first works that attracted the attention of artists and critics to van Gogh.

Additionally, it is possible to say that Van Gogh attempted to create still life paintings such as A Pair of Shoes. It is quite clearly that the shoes depicted by the author are well-worn or even shabby.

To a great extent, these objects symbolize the harsh life of travelling artist. The painter is able to use different shades of grey and yellow in order to illustrate the texture of this footwear. To a great extent, this painting illustrates van Gogh’s ability to depict objects in a very realistic manner. Additionally, the viewers can see that the author pays much attention to the depiction of light and shadow.

Furthermore, one should focus on the paintings which were created during van Gogh’s stay in Arles, because these works illustrate a significant breakthrough in the career of this artist, For example, it is possible to refer to such a painting as Starry Night. Van Gogh is able to create a beautiful description of the night skies.

The painter uses various shades of blue; one can see that the artist attaches much importance to the representation of color during night. Furthermore, the artist skillfully demonstrates the difference between artificial and natural light. Moreover, a closer examination of this painting indicates that van Gogh users several layers of paint and this technique is one of his trademarks. This work marked van Gogh as one of the best landscape painters.

Furthermore, it is possible to mention such a painting A Wheatfield with Cypresses which was completed in 1889. The author describes the fields of wheat which has already become ripe. The most important element of this picture is the use of impasto or the use of thick layers of paint. Additionally, the artist is able to illustrate various shades of white and yellow. In particular, one can speak about the so-called of zinc white. These are the main aspects that can be distinguished.

On the whole, this discussion indicates that van Gogh’s artistic career can be described as the creative search during which the painter experimented with various techniques, genres, and themes. However, at the end, the author succeeded in producing a unique style which enabled him to stand out among artists. In particular, his rich palette and brushwork are now recognized by the majority of art critics. These are the main details that can be distinguished.

Now, perhaps, it is difficult to find the person for the name of whom Vincent Van Gogh name would be unfamiliar, the Dutch artist who created in the end of XIX century in France. He was not recognized by contemporaries, but he is greatly popular among descendants. Now his works decorate the assemblies of the most well-known galleries and museums of the world (the Museum Underground, New York; Art institute, Chicago; gallery Tate, London). The destiny of pictures by Van Gogh becomes the object of steadfast attention of admirers of painting from the entire world. Van Gogh, whose creativity is known as an example of postimpressionistic painting. It is an interesting fact that Van Gogh did not get a systematic education and began to create his works in the mature age. However, despite of this, owing to gift, constant efforts, work and own unique sight at the world, he has managed to create the original masterpieces.

The love to fine, possibly, has arisen in youth when the future master worked as the seller of cloths in interiors of firm Gupil. However the peripetias of private life, the experience which has been saved up for so small period and, that is important, an example of the father have led to ideas that it is necessary to bring a word of the Lord to the world and people. So, young preacher Vincent Van Gogh gets into the Belgian miner’s settlement under name Borinague. As the fine person he could not remain indifferent to the things he saw – to poverty and lawlessness. Here he begins his new profession.

Van Gogh’s first works were in many respects clumsy and not so successful, but they became the first step on a way of comprehension of a true vital calling. The first heroes of his works became miners. Greater support these hard years was rendered by his brother Theo who not simply helped Van Gogh financially, but also highly appreciated his creativity.

After the trip to Paris and acquaintance with impressionists in 1886 Van Gogh’s manner varies a little. His cloths become more emotional. The palette is enriched; it becomes more colorful, pictures change (Meier-Graefe, 1987).

As in nature the artist tries to find the spiritual beginning in every person. Van Gogh tried to find everything that is human, therefore it was so difficult to live and work in the world where the person was identified with machine and their importance was estimated only from the point of view of their utility. The spiritual life becomes demanded ever less, and former communications during development of a civilization and progress fall. This reason and subjective pessimistic moods lead the artist to illness (mental frustration). In 1889 he becomes the patient of psychic clinic. However these years do not pass for the master completely, after the crisis he continues to create. The last works of the artist admire with cleanliness and photogenic beauty of the world, they have been created in Oveur, a small village near Paris. Here one of the most esteemed in the XXth century artist died.

The analysis of a picture by Van Gogh “Night Cafe”

The Picture was written in Arl in 1888: Van Gogh already was mature artist. It was the heavy period: the artist lived in full loneliness, he drank much, and his mood was gloomy. The similar condition of spirit, probably, has found the reflection in the picture “Night cafe”.

It is a genre stage. The time is very late; it is the quarter past one at the clock. The visitors of cafe almost dispatched, the tables are not cleaned yet; the people have just left, but the character and a manner of their behavior are felt judging from how chairs are set aside. It is empty at billiards (Metzger, 2006).

Only at the separate little tables there are the figure sat up late: at the little table on the right there are two men, they almost lay on a table; at the little table on the left there is a man who the man sleeps frankly, behind him there is a couple: both are not so joyful, probably, there are having unpleasant conversation. At the center of the hall there is a waiter. It is a unique sober here. Quantity of figures on the left and on the right creates composite balance. The center of all composition is a billiard table. It is empty and looks like a coffin. Probably, it is a symbol empty soul.

The space of the cafe is shined by the uniform light of lamps. In spite of the fact that all occurs at night, it is a lot of light in cafe, here it is even too light, that is why it is uncomfortable here – light is unnatural. It arrests attention and irritates. The color which is used by Van Gogh, is also intensive, poisonous: the combination of green and red is especially sharp (Stone, 1995).

The walls in cafe are of red color, this color is disturbing, and it is a color of blood and danger. A ceiling and a billiard table is of green color, but it not such greens, as in Van Gogh’s landscapes. Here green color is unnatural, it is put very densely, as in a decorative fantastic picture, but this fairy tale is as a dreadful dream. Besides the artist uses also other complementary colors: for example, yellow and poisonous-yellow is a color of a tobacco smoke and wine steams. It seems, that everything is doubling. The main sensation from a picture is disturbing, as after sleepless night. It is loneliness. And it is possible to hear the sounds of the clock: they never stop and life flies.

The analysis of a picture by Van Gogh “Potato eaters”

Here the peasants are represented who spend all their time on the ground, on the field, live by constant work. Their faces remind the roots or tubers of potato, their forms, chubby and friable, are so ridiculous. The skirt of one of women (that is on the left) reminds the field by its folds, the peak-caps of men are similar to beaks.

The hands of each person at the table reach for meal. It is the thing that connects all these people. One of them has turned to us his back. He closes a circle; he does not care about anything any more.

It is close in this premise, and the low ceiling bends down the space even more.

The lamp (it is as though extended horizontally) light the space and something burns on a table but we do not see because of a back of the person. The ellipse of a lamp is halved into black and white. Anybody does not meet a sight of others. Everyone is separate. Their weariness and absorption of everyone in them separates them. So, the vertical prop to the left of the woman (it is probable, mistresses) separates her from the man – the worker(Meier-Graefe, 1987).

Van Gogh wished to show us the ordinary of a country life, the attitude of these people. In this picture we can see some limitation of their vision, underground life, and communication of peasants with the ground, with things, meal, and their simple life. What do they think about? It is obvious – not about something ennobled and not about beauty of the nature which constantly surrounds them. They do not see anything, and, apparently, at all do not hear each other; they have only one interest – meal. Existence of these people reminds the existence of plants (they as vegetables have grown from this ground) or animals – pigs, cows, geese (it is possible to see even similarity in the image of goals). Actually, who were peasants at that time? – Cattle that ploughs (Stone, 1995).

Van Gogh’s creativity has reflected a complex, turning-point in history of the European culture. It is got by passionate love by a life, to the simple labor person. From here Van Gogh’s creative obsession comes, his gusty expression and tragic pathos. They define Van Gogh’s special place in art of the postimpressionism.

In the beginning of the XX-th century Van Gogh’s “apostolic” way along the art of Europe and America has begun and is not ended until now. Van Gogh was not able to divide himself between life and creativity. His everyday acts, his passionate searches of the recognition, his intense spiritual life, hits arrival in the world of art – all this is painted and fastened by the same aspiration to true and full self-feedback, that is thirst of creativity.

“There is nothing more art than to love people”, – he considered. This getting humanity of art of Van Gogh allows to name him one of the most-sympathetic artists of the time if, certainly, to mean not only the subject party of art, but also his figurative maintenance. This genius who did not suspect about his genius and only shy hoped that his creative self-burning will not reach all for nothing.

References

Meier-Graefe Julius (1987) Vincent Van Gogh: A Biography, Dover Publications.

Metzger Rainer , Walther Ingo F. (2006) Van Gogh: The Complete Paintings (Klotz), Taschen; 25 Anv edition.

Stone Irving , Stone Jean (1995) Dear Theo: The Autobiography of Vincent Van Gogh, Plume.

Van Gogh Gallery. Web.

Shape and background

The artwork employed in the ‘Enclosed Field Behind Saint-Paul Hospital’ comprises of vertically arranged objects. On the right side is the structure that represents the hospital, at the left side is a plantation, both of them are line drawings paint in black. The fore front is overlapped with an artwork which represents a large rectangle which seems to be a field with a greyish background.

In the middle of the drawing, there is a tree-like structure that has grayish background which seems to make the entire structure remain outstandingly attractive. In the field composition, Vincent van Gogh used bright colors and an intense black line which outlines the field and the hospital.

It is quite possible that this prevalent use of colors in the line is intended to push the object on the two-dimensional space, making it well illustrated (van Gogh). The lines have been made with a pastel medium, with its less than solid appearance. The overall use of color and shape is simplistic, yet appropriate to the nature of the surrounding.

Clarity and precision

Although the background of the artwork has more geometric shapes and the foreground has single shape indicating variety, Vincent has achieved a sense of unity with his use of illustrations. The use of bold vertical lines here appears to be more carefully planned, showing the precision of the artist and the background is carefully applied. On the foreground, the lines are vertical, but not straight and present a zigzag shape.

The background lines are curved to clearly illustrate the shape of the clouds. At the far right background, Vincent used short lines vertically arranged on the top of each other in order to describe a valley-like background. Vincent also used horizontal straight lines to represent what seems to be a fence separating the field from the hospital ground. Thin short lines are used in this artwork to show the distance in between the fore and background (van Gogh).

Precision

The grey circles horizontally drawn at the background across the tops of the painting are also painted as if they are left unfinished; this shows Vincent’s accuracy in drawing, and truthfully creates the likeness of a nature. He tightly lined the foreground, and expansively lined the interior part of the drawing. Lines were clearly used to explain and illustrate the contour of the field as it was seen. He used black ink to draw tight lines which represented concentration of content in the artwork.

Use of expansive lines in the drawing gives the work a feeling of action and enthusiasm, unlike the feeling of easiness in carefully drawn lines. His technique to place the lines varies in this artwork. At times, the lines are carefully placed on the top of each other creating a higher ground (van Gogh).

Movement

In other cases, Vincent van Gogh application of the lines seems more erratic and quick such as the grey background. The lines are not placed in a constant manner, they changes from one aspect to another. They are dynamic all through the artwork where changes in size, length, and even thickness. It’s not possible to predict the direction of the line with, and where it will face, as he (Vincent) chose the position of the line objectively in order to illustrate the meaning of his subject.

He used implied lines to illustrate a building structure placed at the far right end of the artwork. The contours are used to articulate the overview of the field in the drawing and portray the intended message meant. The rhythm of the drawing has been illustrated by the use of texture and patterns in the work which associate the surrounding of the work.

Work Cited

Van Gogh, Vincent. Enclosed Field Behind Saint-Paul Hospital. 1889. Staatliche Graphische Sammlung Munich, Germany, Europe.

Notions of color and optical theories characterized the Impressionism Movement. A few years later, several artists developed a unique style for expressing their values and emotions. These artists used simplified forms and definitive colors. The painters portrayed new abstract tendencies and aesthetic senses. They also used diverse styles in search of artistic achievement and glory. Roger Fry coined the term “Post-Impressionism” to describe this new movement. The artists behind the new movement rejected the notions and styles embraced by their predecessors. The post-impressionists promoted new styles of art.

The title of Sigmund Freud’s book “Civilization and Its Discontents” presents one of the best dichotomies for analyzing and discussion the Post-Impressionism Movement. The title explains how civilization presented numerous challenges. However, the new breed of artists wanted to present something new to their viewers. They were unhappy with the styles embraced by the impressionists. That being the case, every postimpressionist produced better paintings. One of these artists was Paul Cezanne. Paul produced the painting “Still-Life with Apples”. The artist was interested in every formula value such as perspective and color. He was free to experiment with different values and elements of art. He painted this artwork in an attempt to understand the fundamentals of art. This was a major breakthrough because many painters were free to create their artworks.

Many people had become free in different parts of Europe. Van Gogh managed to complete several painting before the end of the 19^th century. Most of these paintings exemplified his proto-expressionist technique. Van Gogh portrayed his artistic independence in the works. The painting “Night Cafe” shows how the artist was happy to produce something spectacular. The painter did not follow any strict rules of art to produce the work. The artist used this masterpiece to portray his artistic independence and ability to use different colors. This fact explains why Van Gogh is one of the greatest postimpressionists.

Paul Gauguin was also a great painter. The postimpressionist was against the use of imagery. Many impressionists embraced this practice. The artist decided to produce new works of art using different colors. He also used solid color patches and solid forms to produce his artworks. The approach made it easier for the painter to depict images of religious or secular symbolism. The artist also portrayed exotic themes in most of his works. A good example is the painting “Vision of The Sermon”. The painting deviated from the aspects and themes of the Impressionism Movement. The painting also embraces the use of definite forms and solid colors. This new practice was facilitated human civilization.

Georges Seurat was the first artist to reinvent the use of pigment and color in different paintings. He also updated most the subjects embraced by many Impressionists. The painter’s artworks also embraced the use of artificial light. This deviated from the ideas and concepts adopted by many Impressionists. The painting “Sunday on the Isle of La Grande Jatte” presents a spectacular landscape. The artwork depicts many people who are enjoying themselves. The painting also explains how Seurat used different pigments and colors to produce the masterpiece. This work by Georges Seurat explains why the new movement was a critical aspect of human civilization.

Introduction

The world of art is a fascinating representation of genuine man’s thought with some glimpses of divine intrusion. The poetical words and artistic idea are those aspects of man’s culture which tend to excite people and let them know something more than just an ordinary things appearing in the world. Many representatives of art were the luminaries, in fact, in the world of faint colors of life along with dull imagination of something good.

Due to the outstanding persons who made some grave contributes into the world of human cultural heritage people can now share the fruits of artistic thought and overwhelming implementation of different elements to support the entire idea and strive of people to the beautiful and precious things surrounding them. This paper is dedicated to work out the philosophical and ideological background in the works of Van Gogh with the help of critique of some authors having investigated the issues of contemporary and ancient arts.

Philosophical glimpses on art

Though, the works of painters are full of passion, as a rule, because otherwise they would not be so popular both when alive or after periods of their lives. The scholars are still finding out the features in every work which make it so eminent and individually shaped for the publicity. For example, one of them, namely Jacques Maritain points out the factors which make an ordinary painting become a part of art.

He designates in poetry and painting the concept of “suprahuman agency” (Maritain 104) which makes emphasis on the gorgeous intrusion literary into the hands of an artist creating and generating in him the huge and powerful ability to present people with the masterpieces full of colors, emotions, and other aspects which make the work vivid and marvelous. He also singles out the fact that humanity is processing in its evolution due to the progress of scientific and creative thought on the whole. The men of art are inclined to follow their personal and individual style feeling a deep interest in the expressive means of their works.

Thus, some of the artists tend to strengthen public opinion on their creative work due to the artifacts which characterize their talent: pictures, texts, sculptures etc. On the other hand, many of them emphasized that very attention because of the scandalous manner of life. The paradox here applies to the fact that many of artists living in the previous centuries were, as British people say, sixpence none the richer while painting the pictures. Nowadays their works are too worthy than the authors of such works could not have even imagined.

Vincent Van Gogh

Van Gogh (30 March 1853 – 29 July 1890) was one of the outstanding artists of the mankind who followed the trend of impressionist stream in painting which was highly developed in the nineteenth century in France. In fact, he was a representative of post-impressionism. The artist was born in the Netherlands but was considered to be a Dutch painter. His creative career seems to be similar to that of Daniel Defoe, because Vincent Van Gogh began painting in the last decade of his life and produced over 2,000 various pictures mainly in somber colors and over a thousand of different sketches. (Hoeferkamp 45) The fruits of the artist are too significant and make an ordinary spectator to think over the potential of the painter.

If he had begun painting rather earlier, mankind would have shared even more works of a talented artist. As Ananda K. Coomaraswamy writes in her book: “The making of things is governed by art, the doing of things by prudence.” (Coomaraswamy 123) Actually the distinguishing approach of what a man can do and what he can make is too close to the Van Gogh’s mindset and his vision of life which seemed to him absurd somehow.

The central figure of Van Gogh’s life in terms of personal devotion and financial support as well was Theo, brother of the painter who helped and encouraged him greatly. Notwithstanding his Netherland origin with Dutch shapes the artist urged to feel the impression of other painter working in France. The most creative pert of his life the artist spent in French town Arles in the southern part of the country. There he could provide plein airs and feel free in making his works. One of his contemporaries Munch wrote once in form of review on his work “The Scream”: “I… painted the clouds like real blood. The colors were screaming’ echoes van Gogh’s sanguine comment on The Night Cafe — ‘a place where one can ruin one’s self, go mad, or commit a crime.” (Boddy-Evans 2006)

The gallery of the artist is too huge magnificent. The genre and stylistic manner of his work strictly follow the traditions of impressionists who paid much attention on the coloring factor of their works. By virtues of this implementation impressionist pictures still greatly influence on the imagination ue to the ability of a man’s memory to remind effectively information in order to provide spectators with holdfast. Some of the Van Gogh’s works are: The Café Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, at Night; Still Life; Vase with Twelve Sunflowers; The Red Vineyard; Portrait of Dr. Gachet and others. (Hoeferkamp 45) All of the pictures are the significant exhibit items for every well-known exhibition because of the name of their creator.

Conclusion

To sum up, the trends in art are versatile and tend the representatives of a defined stream or genre to maintain specific techniques appropriate for the purpose of better emphasis on the current reality. Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most outstanding and original artists who claimed his mastership and provided creative work in the last decade of his life. Therefore, mankind can be thankful to the artist, because “the artist works “by art and willingly” (Coomaraswamy 124) though, people can share the artistic thought of Van Gogh throughout his works. Moreover, the presence of the artist is felt due the personal analysis of his intentions while painting the pictures.

Works Cited

Coomaraswamy, Ananda Kentish. Christian and Oriental philosophy of art. Courier Dover Publications, 1956.

Hoeferkamp, Suzanne E. “The Shoes of Van Gogh: A Spiritual and Artistic Journey to the Ordinary.” The Christian Century. 2004.

Maritain, Jacques. Creative Intuition in Art and Poetry. Duke University Press, 1976.

Boddy-Evans, Marion. Techniques of the Masters: How to Paint Like an Expressionist. Web.