Landscape with a Tree in the Foreground 1888

Vincent van Gogh made this landscape with pen and ink wash on paper. Van Gogh found inspiration in the natural world, but his landscapes are never simply records of observation; they are powerful expressions of his emotional and spiritual connection to the world. In late 19th-century Europe, nature was often viewed through a romantic lens, as an escape from the rapidly industrializing urban centers, and in that light, we can see Van Gogh’s intense involvement with the landscape as a kind of social commentary. He found solace and meaning in nature when society offered little. To understand Van Gogh’s place, it’s worth studying the artistic institutions of his time, like the established academies and the emerging avant-garde galleries. These institutions shaped the way art was produced, displayed, and understood. Art historians can examine letters, exhibition reviews, and other primary sources, to gain a deeper understanding of the artist's world.