Roadway with Underpass (Le viaduc)

About the painting

Another interesting work at the Guggenheim is Roadway with Underpass (also known as Le viaduc), painted in 1887 during his Paris period. This painting offers a glimpse into Van Gogh's exploration of urban-edge landscapes. It depicts an underpass and tollhouse structure in the suburb of Asnières, where he often went to paint in nature. The vantage point is that of a traveler, with a dim glow at the end of the tunnel and a lone figure walking into the darkness. This work foreshadows his later, more dramatic bridge and road scenes in Arles. It showcases his early investigations into Impressionist and Divisionist color theory, with contrasting creamy ochre impasto and chalky blue shadows. It's a testament to his continuous experimentation with technique and subject matter, even in his earlier, less celebrated urban scenes.