Caféterras bij avond
Bloeiend Perenboompje
De Oogst
Vincent van Gogh 1853-1888
Although he rarely painted biblical scenes, each of Van Gogh’s paintings has a religious feel. He had wanted to go into the Church, but never managed to finish his theological studies. For he accompanied the miners down into the pits – and received nothing but scorn. He was passionate and a radical. As a painter he again tried to support people and to bear witness to the redeeming light.
His early works were dark, featuring a single subterranean point of light by way of consolation. It was not until later, when he had moved to the south of France, that he would release this light and let it shine over the earth in all its glory like an indomitable cosmic force. Then even night-time scenes like his Café Terrace at Night became places where people could safely bask in a warm, summery glow.
Text: Mark Mastenbroek