The artwork, titled “Row of Cottages in Saintes-Maries,” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1888 in Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer, France. Rendered in ink on paper, this piece is a part of the Post-Impressionism movement and falls under the genre of sketch and study. The artwork is currently housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The artwork depicts a row of quaint cottages in a rural setting, characterized by Van Gogh’s distinct and expressive line work. The scene captures the rustic simplicity of life in Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer, with the cottages arranged in a seemingly orderly line stretching towards the horizon. The use of ink provides a stark contrast, emphasizing the linear and somewhat geometric nature of the architecture. As the lines converge in the middle distance, a sense of depth and perspective is achieved. The simplicity and purity of the medium allow for a direct and unembellished appreciation of Van Gogh’s meticulous attention to detail and his ability to evoke the serene atmosphere of the countryside through minimalistic yet evocative strokes.
