Vincent Van Gogh painted “Mountains at Saint-Remy with Dark Cottage” while staying at the mental hospital in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence from 1889-1890. This landscape showcases the mountainous terrain and pastoral fields that he was drawn to during his time there.
Van Gogh’s use of dynamic brushstrokes and rich surface texture captures the natural beauty of the area, as well as his pantheistic beliefs. The painting features vibrant blues and greens, contrasted by darker hues of brown and black. The cottage in the foreground adds a sense of depth to the composition, leading the eye towards the mountains in the distance.
As part of the Post-Impressionist movement, Van Gogh embraced mood, expression, symbol, and sentiment in his works. “Mountains at Saint-Rémy with Dark Cottage” is a prime example of this style, illustrating not only the physical landscape but also conveying an emotional connection to nature.
In addition to this painting, Van Gogh produced over 100 other works during his stay at Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. He found inspiration in both nature and people around him while struggling with mental illness. These landscapes continue to be celebrated for their beauty and ability to convey emotion through art.