Plum tree in Bloom (after Hiroshige) Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)

This is a vibrant painting depicting a plum tree in bloom, set against a dramatic, crimson sky. The foreground is dominated by the thick, dark trunk and branches of a large plum tree, its rough texture rendered with bold brushstrokes. White blossoms dot the branches, some in sharp focus, others more diffused.
Beyond the foreground tree, a lush green lawn stretches out, dotted with clumps of fallen petals and smaller plum trees in full bloom. These background trees are more softly rendered, creating a sense of depth and a mass of white and pale yellow blossoms against the bright green grass. In the distance, a few figures, rendered as small, colorful shapes, can be seen walking, suggesting a peaceful scene in a park or garden. A fence separates the lawn from a more distant area.
The painting is framed by two large, vertical bands of text, rendered in Japanese calligraphy on an orange background. These are not merely decorative but are integral to the composition, adding a graphic element and echoing the artistic influences. A smaller yellow rectangular inscription is also present near the top right.
The subtext of this painting is rich and multifaceted, deeply rooted in its context. Titled Plum tree in Bloom (after Hiroshige), it is a clear homage by Vincent van Gogh to Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints, specifically referencing the work of the renowned artist Hiroshige. Van Gogh was a fervent admirer of Japanese art, seeing in it a freedom of color, composition, and perspective that differed greatly from Western traditions.
The bold, flat colors, the unusual viewpoints (like the framing of the scene through the branches of the foreground tree), and the decorative script are all elements that Van Gogh adopted from Japanese prints. The crimson sky, while perhaps exaggerated, evokes the dramatic skies often found in Asian art and could symbolize intense emotion or a heightened experience of nature. The blooming plum tree itself is a powerful symbol in Japanese culture, representing spring, renewal, perseverance, and the transient beauty of life. The presence of people enjoying the blossoms suggests a communal appreciation of this natural beauty and the arrival of spring. The calligraphy further emphasizes the Japanese influence, acting as both a visual element and a nod to the source material, potentially identifying the location or subject of the original print. In essence, Van Gogh is not just reproducing a scene but is interpreting it through his own artistic lens, infused with his admiration for a different cultural aesthetic and his own emotional response to nature.