Mountains at Saint-Remy with Dark Cottage 1889

Vincent van Gogh made 'Mountains at Saint-Remy with Dark Cottage' using oil on canvas. Considered a Post-Impressionist painter, Van Gogh’s work often reflects his emotional and mental state, and this landscape made in France is no exception. The turbulent brushstrokes and vivid colours convey a sense of unease, typical of the artist's style. Painted during Van Gogh's stay at an asylum in Saint-Rémy, the scene is dominated by the Alpilles mountains. We can see the artist’s intense connection to nature. However, the asylum was an institution, and the high vantage point and dark cottage perhaps symbolize Van Gogh's feelings of isolation and confinement. Art historians often refer to the artist's letters from this time. These resources provide valuable insights into his state of mind and artistic intentions. The painting thus invites us to consider the social and personal context in which it was created.