In this gallery, I explore Vincent van Goghs extensive use of line to create movement, even if the subject being painted is stationary.
Undergrowth with Two Figures, Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, b.1853, d.1890), 1890, From the collection of: Cincinnati Art Museum
There is so much going on in this forest even though all you see is a couple, some trees , and the undergrowth.
Self-Portrait, Vincent van Gogh, 1889, From the collection of: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC
Line creates once again, a serene, yet intense, energetic, and chaotic feel to this painting.
Thatched Cottages at Cordeville, Vincent van Gogh, 1890, From the collection of: Musée d’Orsay, Paris
It seems as if the wind is blowing in this scene.
The potato eaters, Vincent van Gogh, 1885, From the collection of: Kröller-Müller Museum
The figures are in motion even thought they are completely still.
Rain, Vincent Willem van Gogh, Dutch, 1853 - 1890, 1889, From the collection of: Philadelphia Museum of Art
You can feel the intensity of this storm thanks to Van Goghs perfect use of line.
Landscape from Saint-Rémy, Vincent van Gogh, 1889, From the collection of: Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
The clouds appear to billow out towards the viewer, and the field seems to move around softly, as if being slightly affected by wind.
Olive Trees, Vincent van Gogh, 1889, From the collection of: Minneapolis Institute of Art
The sun reverberates across the entire filed in this piece.
Starry Night, Vincent van Gogh, 1888, From the collection of: Musée d’Orsay, Paris
This piece is just as beautiful as the better known "The Starry Night piece. The waves in the river seem to move and reflect the light accurately.
Patch of grass, Vincent van Gogh, 1887, From the collection of: Kröller-Müller Museum
You can almost feel each and every blade of grass.
The Olive Trees, Vincent van Gogh, 1889, From the collection of: MoMA The Museum of Modern Art
It is easy to tell that the cloud is blowing across the land.
Wheat Field with Cypresses, Vincent van Gogh, 1889, From the collection of: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Reminds me of The Starry Night, except in the day, and facing the other direction.
Seascape near Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Vincent van Gogh, June 1888 - 1888, From the collection of: Van Gogh Museum
The waves crash and roll with varying intensity in this piece.
Poppy field, Vincent van Gogh, June 1890, From the collection of: Kunstmuseum
Line moves the viewers eyes around the work.
Landscape at Saint-Rémy (Enclosed Field with Peasant), Vincent van Gogh, 1889, From the collection of: Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields
Line creates a sense of unity in this piece.
The Starry Night, Vincent van Gogh, 1889, From the collection of: MoMA The Museum of Modern Art
In perhaps his most famous work, Van Gogh creates a serene, yet intense image. Lines not only move the viewers eyes around the piece, but create a sense of extensive movement.
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
National Gallery of Art, Washington DC
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Musée d’Orsay, Paris
Cincinnati Art Museum
MoMA The Museum of Modern Art
Kröller-Müller Museum
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields
Van Gogh Museum
Kunstmuseum
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Minneapolis Institute of Art