“Quay with Men Unloading Sand Barges” is an oil on canvas artwork painted by Vincent van Gogh in 1888 during his time in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France. The painting, which belongs to the Post-Impressionism art movement, measures 55.1 by 66.2 cm and is categorized under the genre of genre painting. Currently, the artwork is housed in the Folkwang Museum located in Essen, Germany.
The artwork depicts a bustling scene along the quay, where men are actively engaged in unloading sand barges. The composition is marked by the vivid use of colors, typical of van Gogh’s style, with a dominant green hue portraying the water and contrasting with the yellow tones of the quay and barges. The figures in the scene are depicted with characteristic van Gogh brush strokes, bringing dynamic energy to the laborious tasks they are undertaking. The presence of the French flag adds a geographical and cultural context to the setting, emphasizing the local color and vitality of Arles during this period.
