The artwork titled “Fortifications of Paris with Houses” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1887 in Paris, France. This piece, a product of the Post-Impressionism movement, utilizes chalk, pencil, watercolor, and paper as its mediums. It is classified as a landscape genre and currently resides in the Whitworth Art Gallery at the University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
In “Fortifications of Paris with Houses,” Vincent van Gogh depicts a tranquil scene featuring architectural elements interwoven with nature. The foreground is illuminated by bright, sandy hues, leading toward a woman with an umbrella, emphasizing van Gogh’s distinctive brushstroke style. The middle ground showcases robust fortification walls, with delicate watercolor dabs representing greenery on top. In the background, a row of houses bathed in ochre and earthy tones is set against a vibrant blue sky with subtle, swirling clouds, encapsulating the essence of peaceful, everyday life within a fortified cityscape. The use of color and texture highlights van Gogh’s ability to blend serenity with dynamic movement, characteristic of the Post-Impressionist art movement.
