“Summer Evening, Wheatfield with Setting Sun,” created by Vincent van Gogh in 1888 during his time in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France, is a remarkable example of Post-Impressionism. This oil on canvas painting, measuring 188 by 231 centimeters, captures a landscape scene and is currently housed at the Kunstmuseum Winterthur in Winterthur, Switzerland.
The artwork beautifully depicts a golden wheat field, swaying gently under the influence of a soft breeze. The wheat’s rhythmic movements are accentuated by the use of bold, sweeping brushstrokes, a signature of van Gogh’s style. The setting sun, positioned just above the horizon, bathes the scene in a warm, golden light, creating long shadows and enriching the colors of the wheat. In the distance, the outline of a town can be discerned, with smokestacks emitting soft plumes of smoke and the silhouettes of buildings contributing to the scene’s depth and atmosphere. The sky above, rendered in shades of blue and tinged with hints of orange and yellow, reflects the approaching twilight, further enhancing the tranquil, almost meditative quality of the landscape. The painting captures the essence of a summer evening, evoking a sense of stillness and the sublime beauty of nature.
