“Snowy Landscape with Arles in the Background,” crafted by Vincent van Gogh in 1888 in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France, serves as an exquisite exemplar of Post-Impressionism. Executed in oil on canvas, this landscape artwork, which resides in a private collection, measures 50 by 60 centimeters.
The artwork portrays a tranquil winter scene with the town of Arles faintly visible in the distant background. Dominated by cool, pale hues, the snow-covered field stretches widely under a serene, light-blue sky. Elements of vegetation, rendered in characteristic van Gogh brushstrokes, intrude into the foreground—showcasing leafless, brownish trees and frost-covered, golden-yellow reeds. The interplay of vibrant and muted colors evokes a sense of stillness, characteristic of a snowy day, while the subtle blend of blues, greens, and earthy tones injects a dynamic harmony into the composition. The structural forms of the buildings in the background give a sense of balance and depth, emphasizing the link between nature and human habitation in van Gogh’s captivating yet contemplative style.
