Ploughed fields

Vincent van Gogh, 1888

MEDIUMOil on canvas
LOCATIONVan Gogh Museum

This vibrant painting from 1888 showcases Van Gogh's expressive brushwork and brilliant use of color, characteristic of his pivotal Arles period when his style fully blossomed.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

In 1888, Vincent van Gogh moved to Arles in the south of France, a period that marked a significant shift in his artistic style. His palette grew brighter, and his brushwork became more expressive, moving away from the somber tones of his earlier Dutch works, which often depicted peasant laborers. "Ploughed fields" captures the essence of this vibrant new approach, reflecting his deep connection to the landscape and the agricultural life he observed. During this time, Van Gogh broadened his subject matter to include series of olive trees, wheat fields, and sunflowers, all painted with a characteristic intensity. This painting, created in the same year he painted iconic works like "The Poet's Garden" and "Madame Roulin and Her Baby," demonstrates his rapid development and the full realization of his distinctive style.

ART MOVEMENTS
ExpressionismPost-Impressionism
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

The bold, swirling brushstrokes in the earth

2

The intense, almost glowing colors of the sky

3

The texture created by the thick application of paint

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Audio Deep Dive

This vibrant painting from 1888 showcases Van Gogh's expressive brushwork and brilliant use of color, characteristic of his pivotal Arles period when his style…

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THE ARTIST
Vincent van Gogh 1853–1890 · Kingdom of the Netherlands

Vincent van Gogh, whose vibrant brushwork and bold colors transformed landscapes and portraits, created 2,100 artworks in just over a decade.

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