Avenue of Plane Trees near Arles Station Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)

The composition presents a view down a tree-lined avenue, receding into the distance towards a cluster of buildings. A dense row of plane trees dominates the foreground, their trunks rendered with thick, impasto brushstrokes in shades of yellow and ochre. The bark is not depicted realistically; instead, it’s suggested through energetic marks that convey texture and volume. These trees are bare, indicating either late autumn or winter, which contributes to a sense of quietude and dormancy.
The artist employed a limited palette, primarily consisting of yellows, greens, blues, and browns. The sky is painted in pale blue with visible brushwork, creating a slightly agitated atmosphere despite the overall stillness of the scene. Light appears diffused, lacking strong directional shadows; it seems to emanate from an unseen source, illuminating the trees evenly.
In the middle ground, glimpses of buildings are visible through the gaps between the trunks. These structures appear somewhat indistinct, their forms simplified and rendered in muted tones of blue and brown. A few figures can be discerned near the buildings, adding a subtle human presence to the landscape but remaining secondary to the natural elements. The background is blurred, further emphasizing the depth of field and drawing attention towards the avenue itself.
The perspective is somewhat flattened, which contributes to an almost dreamlike quality. The repetition of tree trunks creates a rhythmic pattern that guides the viewers eye into the distance. This visual rhythm, combined with the limited color range and simplified forms, evokes a feeling of melancholy or introspection.
Subtly, there’s a sense of confinement suggested by the dense trees lining the avenue; it is a path, but one framed by imposing natural barriers. The absence of foliage on the trees could symbolize loss or transition, while the buildings in the distance hint at civilization and human activity, yet remain distant and somewhat detached from the immediate environment. Overall, the work conveys an atmosphere of quiet contemplation and a sense of being suspended between nature and human presence.