Interior of a Restaurant 1887

Vincent van Gogh painted "Interior of a Restaurant" with oil on canvas. Rather than traditional art materials, Van Gogh turned to those readily available in late 19th century France. The painting consists of myriad individual brushstrokes, each a small dash of pigment carefully applied to the canvas. The surfaces and objects represented are brought to life through the cumulative effect of this mosaic, creating a textured surface alive with movement. Van Gogh was a pioneer in his use of impasto—layers of thick paint. This tactile approach allows the viewer to experience the painting not just as an image, but as a material object with its own presence. What we see here is an investment of labor, a repetitive process of mark-making that imbues the scene with a sense of rhythm and energy. In paying attention to the material and making of the painting, we can appreciate how Van Gogh elevated everyday subjects with accessible materials.