The artwork, titled “Outskirts of Paris near Montmartre,” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1887 in Paris, France. Utilizing mediums such as gouache, pastel, ink, and watercolor on paper, this painting exemplifies the Post-Impressionism and Neo-Impressionism movements. The genre of this artwork is cityscape, capturing the periphery of Paris with a focus on the Montmartre vicinity. Currently, it resides in the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
In the artwork, Van Gogh masterfully portrays a panoramic view of the outskirts of Paris, with the district of Montmartre subtly dominated by structures and buildings bathed in varying hues of blues and greens. The composition is marked by loosely defined brushstrokes and dynamic lines that convey the essence of the landscape rather than its precise details. The foreground is characterized by earthy, textured elements, possibly depicting a site under construction or excavation, surrounded by wooden fences. Figures and vehicles are sparsely distributed, contributing to the sense of an evolving, bustling cityscape. The sky above transitions from deeper shades to lighter tones, indicating either dusk or dawn, enhancing the painting’s atmospheric depth. Overall, Van Gogh captures a vibrant yet contemplative snapshot of urban expansion and natural elements coexisting on the outskirts of a major city.
