The artwork, titled “Cottages in Saintes-Maries,” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1888 while he was in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, France. Executed with ink on paper, this piece is a significant contribution to the Post-Impressionism movement and is categorized as a sketch and study. Currently, the artwork is housed in the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.
The artwork depicts a row of quaint cottages stretching along a dirt path. The simplicity and fluidity of the ink lines capture the rural essence and serene atmosphere of the village. The thatched roofs and rustic facades of the cottages are portrayed with an economy of detail, yet they effectively convey the texture and character of the structures. The path meanders gently, leading the viewer’s eye through the composition, suggesting a tranquil, almost timeless scene. Vegetation along the pathway and in the foreground is rendered with quick, expressive strokes, enhancing the sketch’s spontaneous quality. The overall impression is one of calmness and charm, characteristics typical of van Gogh’s observational studies.
