The vicarage at Nuenen 1885

Vincent van Gogh’s “The Vicarage at Nuenen” (1885) depicts a two-story house in the Dutch village of Nuenen, where the artist lived from 1883 to 1885. The composition is dominated by the building, set against a sky with a faint, stormy cloud. The vicarage is framed by two trees, while two small figures are seen standing on the sidewalk in the foreground. Van Gogh uses a distinct palette of muted browns and greens to depict the rural scene. He applies thick brushstrokes, emphasizing the texture of the paint. This work is a prime example of Van Gogh’s developing artistic style, characterized by the bold use of color and his expressive brushstrokes.