Le Moulin de la Galette c. 1886

Vincent van Gogh painted 'Le Moulin de la Galette' with oils on canvas, using vigorous brushstrokes to depict a Parisian scene. The material qualities of oil paint itself are crucial here. Van Gogh builds up layers of pigment, creating a thick impasto that catches the light. Look closely and you will see that the churning sky, figures and the structure of the mill are not drawn with precision. Instead, Van Gogh models form through texture and colour. This direct approach to materials relates to Van Gogh’s social vision. He was interested in portraying the lives of ordinary people, particularly those engaged in manual labour. The windmill here is not just a picturesque motif, it also symbolizes the work and industry that sustained the community of Montmartre, and the artist's own engagement with the working classes. Ultimately, this painting reminds us that art is not just about representation; it is about the transformation of material and the expression of human experience, be that work or leisure.