“Bloaters on a Piece of Yellow Paper,” created by Vincent van Gogh in 1889 in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France, is an oil painting on canvas that belongs to the Post-Impressionism art movement. The artwork, measuring 33 x 41 cm, is a still life and is currently housed in a private collection.
The artwork depicts two bloaters (salted herrings) placed atop a piece of yellow paper. The scene is vivid with contrasting colors and bold, expressive brushstrokes typical of van Gogh’s post-impressionist style. The use of yellow in the background paper complements the darker, more detailed rendering of the bloaters, creating a striking visual balance. The textured surface and dynamic strokes lead the viewer’s eye across the canvas, emphasizing the simple yet engaging subject matter. The seemingly mundane subject is elevated through van Gogh’s unique perspective and masterful use of color and form.
