“Pine Trees near the Wall of the Asylum” is an artwork by Vincent van Gogh, created in 1889 during his stay in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France. This piece, which falls within the Post-Impressionism movement, is a study rendered in chalk and pencil on paper. It is currently housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The artwork depicts a tranquil scene characterized by several tall pine trees situated near what appears to be a wall, possibly that of an asylum. The trees, rendered with textured and swirling lines, convey both the density and motion of foliage under a gentle breeze. The composition utilizes a monochromatic scheme which highlights the intricate detailing in the trunks and branches of the trees. The field in front of the trees is sparsely populated with grasses and small plants, providing a foreground that gently leads the viewer’s eye towards the structured background. This sketch reveals van Gogh’s meticulous attention to natural scenery and his ability to capture the essence of his environment with simple yet evocative strokes.
