The artwork, titled “A Fishing Boat at Sea,” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1888 in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France. This piece, rendered in ink on paper, is a distinguished example of the Post-Impressionism movement and belongs to the marina genre.
In this artwork, several fishing boats are depicted on a choppy sea, their sails billowing as they traverse the waters. The detailed, fluid lines used to illustrate the waves and the sails capture the movement and dynamism of the scene. The interplay of black ink against the white paper emphasizes the contrast between the boats and the undulating waves, embodying a striking example of Van Gogh’s intricate line work and expressive style. The image conveys a vivid sense of the ocean’s restless energy and the resilience of the fisherfolk who navigate its expanse.