Quay with men unloading sand barges 1888

Vincent van Gogh produced this scene of labourers unloading sand barges using oil on canvas. The painting offers a glimpse into the working life and the social fabric of late 19th-century France. Van Gogh's choice of subject matter is significant; he often depicted scenes of everyday life, showing an interest in the working class. The French flag can be seen in the background, this may reflect the complex political backdrop of the time, following the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune. It is interesting to consider how van Gogh might have viewed the social and economic conditions of his time, and the role of the working class within them. By exploring the social conditions, political movements, and economic structures of Van Gogh's France, we can better understand the public role of art, and the politics of imagery in this period. Further research into the artist's letters and the socio-political context of France at this time will allow a deeper appreciation of the work.