View of Roofs and Backs of Houses 1886

Vincent van Gogh painted this view of rooftops and backs of houses with oil on canvas. In this urban vista, the chimneys stand tall, like silent sentinels amidst a sea of roofs. These aren't merely architectural elements, but powerful symbols seen throughout history. Think back to ancient Roman hearths, each with its own flue—a central, sacred space. Chimneys have evolved, yet they still carry traces of that ancestral connection to warmth, home, and community. In Van Gogh’s time, they represented the industrial era and the relentless march of modernity. The sight of these humble dwellings, stacked together, evokes a sense of shared human experience, of lives intertwined yet hidden, as if peeking behind the curtains of society. This motif, echoing through the ages, connects us to the countless souls who have sought shelter and solace within these walls. It’s a reminder that even in the most unassuming scenes, the echoes of history resonate deeply.