The artwork titled “Coal Barges” was painted by Vincent van Gogh in 1888 while he resided in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France. Executed using oil on canvas, this piece measures 95 by 71 centimeters and is classified under the Post-Impressionism movement. It falls within the genre of a cityscape and currently resides in a private collection.
In “Coal Barges,” Van Gogh captures a poignant scene along a river at sunset. The composition is dominated by the silhouetted figures of individuals working on the barges, set against a backdrop of an intricately depicted skyline. The sky, rendered in vibrant hues of yellow and green, reflects strikingly off the water, enhancing the dramatic contrast between the dark forms in the foreground and the luminous twilight. The painting masterfully illustrates Van Gogh’s expressive brushwork and keen ability to convey mood through color and form, epitomizing the essence of Post-Impressionist aesthetics.
