In the café; Agostina Segatori in Le tambourin 1887 - 1888

In the café; Agostina Segatori in Le tambourin, painted by Vincent van Gogh, gives us a glimpse into the Parisian café culture of the late 19th century. Van Gogh painted this portrait of Agostina Segatori, the owner of the Café du Tambourin in Paris. The café itself was more than just a place to drink; it was a hub for artists, a gallery, and a space for social exchange. The choice of Segatori, an Italian woman, as the subject, is telling. She represents the influx of foreign influences into the Parisian art scene. This painting, with its flat perspective and bold colours, mirrors the influence of Japanese prints. The cultural and artistic blend reflect a dynamic period of change. Historical sources, such as letters and exhibition records, could give more context to the artistic debates during that time. Therefore, this painting is a window into the complex social dynamics that shaped artistic production.