Boats du Rhône

"Boats du Rhône" is a captivating series of artworks by Vincent van Gogh, consisting of two sketches and three oil paintings. These pieces were created in August 1888 while van Gogh resided in Arles, France, and they exquisitely capture scenes of boats on the Rhône River.

In letters written by van Gogh, he shares his inspiration and intentions for creating this series, providing us with a glimpse into his meticulous observations and artistic process. The series showcases van Gogh's keen eye for detail and his masterful use of color contrasts.

Curators at the Van Gogh Museum suggest that van Gogh embarked on this series after encountering the challenges of combining a high vantage point with a sunset in a single composition. The journey from initial sketches to completed paintings highlights van Gogh's artistic evolution and the various influences that shaped his work.

The series is also analyzed within the context of Symbolist and sacred realism influences, with specific reference to the works of Eugène Delacroix. Van Gogh's transformation of the Arles cityscape into a mountainous landscape and his striking use of color are perceived as an homage to Delacroix.

Ultimately, "Boats du Rhône" reflects van Gogh's ongoing artistic exploration and experimentation. It showcases his unique style and his ability to interpret and transform the world around him into something truly extraordinary.