Crab on its Back

"Crab on its Back" is a captivating oil painting by the esteemed artist Vincent van Gogh. This intriguing piece portrays a crab lying on its back, set against a vivid green background. The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, which houses the painting as part of its permanent collection, dates it to August-September 1887. However, some sources suggest that it might have been created in early 1889.

The inspiration behind this artwork is believed to be a Japanese print of a crab by the artist Hokusai, which Van Gogh encountered in the magazine "Le Japon Artistique." This magazine was sent to him by his brother Theo in September 1888.

Interestingly, Van Gogh also painted another similar piece titled "Two Crabs" in 1889. This painting features two crabs, with one of them depicted in the same upside-down position. "Two Crabs" is currently displayed at the National Gallery in London, United Kingdom.

Both paintings underscore Van Gogh's fascination with Japanese art and his ability to find beauty and intrigue in the simplest subjects.