Theme Slide 4

"Van Gogh Cafe Terrace Place Du Forum At Night" by Vincent Van Gogh

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/van-gogh-cafe-terrace-place-du-forum-at-night-vincent-van-gogh.html

March 30, 2014

17th Century

Describe: In this painting, we see a cobblestone street, perhaps in Paris, with an outdoor cafe. You see people dining and some walking around. Judging by the dark sky and the stars, it is probably late at night.

Analyze: The bold red with the soft grey and deep blue unify the painting. There are many implied lines as well as smooth edge lines. There are very few straight lines.The red carpet in the cafe is a focal point and it is the first thing viewers notice. Blurry and dark shapes in the background bring out the color and shape in the forefront of the art. The repeated colors Van Gogh uses are soft reds, yellows and a deep blue. There are no actual or geometric shapes included.

Interpret: I believe Van Gogh might have been painting his favorite cafe or street. His painting reminds me of a place I love. He is trying to show a place that makes him happy or has happy memories.