The artwork, titled “Haystacks in Provence,” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1888. Painted in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France, this piece is an example of the Post-Impressionism art movement. The painting, rendered in oil on canvas, measures 73 by 92.5 centimeters and belongs to the landscape genre. It is currently housed in the Kröller-Müller Museum located in Otterlo, Netherlands.
The artwork depicts two large haystacks prominently positioned in the foreground, capturing the vibrant essence of the rural French countryside. The vigorous brushstrokes and vivid colors characteristically exemplify van Gogh’s style, emphasizing texture and movement. The interplay of yellow hues in the haystacks contrasts with the surrounding earthy tones and the structures in the background, adding depth and dimension to the scene. A ladder leans casually against one of the haystacks, hinting at the agricultural activity that shapes the landscape. In the background, quaint houses with their distinctive red and green roofs add a touch of human presence, blending harmoniously with the natural setting. The sky, rendered in swirling strokes of blue and white, complements the dynamic composition, creating a lively yet serene depiction of rural life in Provence.
