The Terrace of the Tuileries with People Walking 1886

Vincent van Gogh made this drawing of The Terrace of the Tuileries with People Walking with pen and ink, probably in 1886-87, while living in Paris. Look closely, and you’ll see how he uses a dense mesh of lines to render the figures and foliage. The figures are not individualized portraits, but rather, types. Van Gogh’s process of cross-hatching gives the scene a social significance, evoking the energy of modern Paris. The regular pattern of lines, echoing the repetitive tasks of industrial production, creates a sense of social harmony in this public garden. The repetitive nature of the pen strokes also speaks to Van Gogh's work ethic and the sheer labor that went into his art. Unlike the quick, spontaneous brushstrokes of Impressionism, this drawing embodies a more deliberate, methodical approach. The use of such humble materials also challenges any high-art pretensions, emphasizing a more grounded, democratic view of art-making. It reminds us that art can be found in the everyday, accessible to all, rather than confined to the elite.