Thatched Sandstone Cottages in Chaponval 1890

Vincent van Gogh painted these thatched sandstone cottages in Chaponval using oil paint on canvas. Look closely, and you’ll see how the thick, deliberate brushstrokes bring a tangible quality to the cottages. Van Gogh used the materiality of the paint to convey the solid, stone construction, and the organic thatch roof, blurring the line between representation and the real thing. Consider also the thatching itself, a craft tradition deeply rooted in rural life, and the labor involved in maintaining the roofs, which served as protection for the villagers who inhabited these homes. Van Gogh elevates this humble scene through his artistic process, transforming ordinary structures into objects of contemplation. Ultimately, "Thatched Sandstone Cottages in Chaponval" bridges the gap between the fine arts and the vernacular, urging us to consider the value of both.