Wheatfield 1888

Vincent van Gogh painted this Wheatfield with oil on canvas, capturing the fields of France in the late 19th century. Here we see a move away from realism, toward an expressive style that speaks to a different set of cultural values. As urban centers grew during this period, so too did a sense of alienation and a nostalgic longing for the countryside. Van Gogh's expressive brushstrokes and vivid colors evoke an emotional connection to nature, rejecting the coldness of industrial society. But what is the public role of such art? Is it a form of social commentary or simply an aesthetic escape? By studying the letters and biographies of artists like Van Gogh, and the exhibition histories of paintings like this, we can begin to understand the complex interplay between art, society, and the individual.