Weeping Tree

Vincent van Gogh, 1889

MEDIUMReed pen and black-brown ink, with black chalk on off-white wove paper
DIMENSIONS49.3 × 61.3 cm (19 7/16 × 24 3/16 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago
COLLECTIONPrints and Drawings
CULTURENetherlands
CREDIT LINEGift of Tiffany and Margaret Blake

Experience the raw emotion and dynamic energy of Van Gogh's 'Weeping Tree,' a powerful ink drawing from his later years that showcases his distinctive, expressive style.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

In 'Weeping Tree,' created in 1889, Vincent van Gogh masterfully employs reed pen and ink to capture a powerful sense of emotion and movement. This piece, made just a year before his death, exemplifies the bold lines and dramatic brushwork that characterize his mature style and contributed significantly to the rise of Expressionism. The artwork was created during a particularly prolific period for Van Gogh, where he produced many of his most famous works, often exploring landscapes and natural forms with an intensity that reflected his inner world. While known primarily for his vibrant oil paintings like 'The Bedroom' or 'The Poet's Garden,' Van Gogh's drawings reveal a profound understanding of form and texture, using the starkness of ink to convey the same emotional depth found in his colored canvases. This drawing, part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection, stands as a testament to his relentless artistic exploration, even as he was only beginning to gain critical recognition for his revolutionary approach to art.

ART MOVEMENTS
ExpressionismPost-Impressionism
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

The vigorous, swirling lines of the tree's trunk and branches.

2

The way the ink strokes suggest movement and wind.

3

The contrast between the dark, dense tree and the lighter background.

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Audio Deep Dive

Experience the raw emotion and dynamic energy of Van Gogh's 'Weeping Tree,' a powerful ink drawing from his later years that showcases his distinctive, express…

Hear the full story in the app
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.

Read Vincent's full story in Art Whisper
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