For art enthusiasts, a visit to the sun-drenched town of Arles in southern France is a must, for it was here that the legendary Vincent van Gogh found the radiant light that would forever transform his artistic vision.
Van Gogh’s Provençal Awakening
After arriving in Arles in the winter of 1888, Van Gogh was immediately captivated by the region’s luminous quality, a stark contrast to the sombre tones that had dominated his earlier works in the north. Suddenly, his canvases burst with vibrant swirls of color and the shimmering brilliance of Provençal sunshine, marking a profound shift in his artistic style.
While his paintings danced with newfound vibrancy, Van Gogh’s personal demons persisted. He spent months in the Hospital of Arles (Hôtel-Dieu-Saint-Espirit) and the asylum in nearby Saint-Rémy de Provence, where he continued to create, including the renowned ‘Garden of the Hospital in Arles‘ in 1889. Today, the Hospital in Arles has been transformed into the Espace Van Gogh cultural center, its courtyard open to the public as a poignant tribute to the artist’s struggles.
Masterpieces Born in Arles
Although Van Gogh’s time in Arles spanned little over a year, it was a period of incredible productivity, yielding over 180 paintings and drawings – many of which would become his most celebrated masterpieces. Iconic works like ‘The Bedroom in Arles,’ ‘Shoes,’ and the ethereal ‘Starry Night Over the Rhône‘ all emerged from his feverish brushstrokes during this transformative chapter.
Retracing Van Gogh’s Steps
Armed with the tourist office’s walking tour map, you can retrace Vincent’s very steps, visiting the locations where he set up his easel and captured the essence of Arles on canvas. At each stop, marvel at how the modern-day scenes compare to Van Gogh’s original paintings, basking in the genius that once graced these humble Provençal streets.
The Café Terrace
Pause at the lively Place du Forum, where Van Gogh immortalized the warmth of a café terrace at night in his ‘Terrasse de café la nuit, Place du Forum.’
The Old Mill
The picturesque old mill, its weathered blades frozen in time, bore witness to Van Gogh’s brushstrokes as he captured its rustic charm.
The Trinquetaille Bridge
Spanning the mighty Rhône, the Trinquetaille Bridge served as the backdrop for one of Van Gogh’s most evocative Arles paintings, its arches framing the shimmering waters.
The Arena at Arles
Within the ancient Roman arena, you can almost envision the spectators that Van Gogh immortalized in his vivid depiction of this iconic landmark.
The Yellow House
And finally, stand before the humble façade of the Yellow House, Van Gogh’s former residence, where he produced some of his most celebrated works amid personal turmoil.
As you bid farewell to Arles, you’ll carry with you a profound appreciation for the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of a true master, to witness the very scenes that inspired his genius, and to bask, if only briefly, in the brilliant light that transformed his art forever.
