“The Tarascon Diligence,” a distinguished oil on canvas painting by Vincent van Gogh, was created in 1888 during the artist’s time in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France. A quintessential example of the Post-Impressionism movement, the artwork measures 72 by 92 centimeters and belongs to the cityscape genre. Currently held in a private collection, the painting reflects van Gogh’s masterful use of color and texture.
The artwork prominently features a stagecoach, typically referred to as a diligence, parked in a sunlit street. The bright hues of the carriage and its surroundings exemplify van Gogh’s characteristic vibrant color palette. The scene is infused with the dynamic brushstrokes that are emblematic of his style, capturing both the energy and the atmosphere of the locale. The composition of the painting, with its meticulous attention to detail and the interplay of light and shadow, effectively evokes the essence of a bustling urban environment in late 19th-century France.