The Road Menders. Vincent van Gogh. Vincent van Gogh - The Road Menders - Google Art Project.jpg (source). Public domain — PD-Art.
The Road Menders
Vincent van Gogh · 1889, November
- Catalog
- F658
- Date
- 1889, November
- Place painted
- Saint-Rémy
- Museum
- The Phillips Collection
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
About the painting
The Road Menders, from Van Gogh's time at the asylum in Saint-Rémy, is a powerful depiction of labor and landscape. The painting focuses on workers toiling beneath towering, gnarled trees, whose trunks and branches are rendered with vigorous, agitated brushstrokes. The figures are integrated into this dynamic environment, emphasizing human effort against the enduring force of nature. Van Gogh's palette includes earthy tones combined with vibrant greens and blues, conveying the raw energy of the scene. This work reflects his ongoing interest in the working class and his ability to imbue even mundane tasks with a profound sense of dignity and a strong emotional presence, amidst his own mental struggles.
Collection: The Phillips Collection. Whether it is currently on view should be confirmed with the museum before visiting.
Research note: this entry is based on an evolving catalog. Dates, attribution, location and visitor information should be verified against the institution’s current records.