Alley Bordered by Trees 1884

This drawing, *Alley Bordered by Trees*, was made by Vincent van Gogh, though its date is unknown. Notice the stark contrast in tones achieved with dark ink on paper. The composition draws you into the pictorial space, as the road’s converging lines lead the eye toward a vanishing point between the silhouetted figures. This use of linear perspective creates depth, but it's the tonal contrasts that truly define the spatial arrangement. Van Gogh uses light and shadow to create a sense of atmospheric perspective, where objects in the distance appear fainter and less distinct. The starkness might evoke a sense of isolation or introspection. This is reinforced through the use of the limited color palette and rudimentary brushstrokes. Yet, even within the muted tones, the artist captures a subtle play of light, suggesting a world that is both bleak and imbued with life. The way the artist uses contrasting tones and perspective serves not only to depict a physical space, but also an emotional landscape.