r/impressionistcafe

Oh Van G! I had the absolute privilege to stand in front of this today and admire this utter masterpiece at the Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh.

This is one of a series of canvasses of olive trees which Van G painted while at the asylum at Saint -Remý in Provence. For him, the olive tree symbolized the region, as well as being associated with the story of Christ’s passion.

Van G’s technique is highly expressive, much of the pigment directly applied from the paint tube (yes, I was actually listening!). The swirling strokes (impasto) generate a feeling of agitation , compounded by the deeply steeping slope.

I feel this painting carries such a restless energy. The tress writhe, pulse and are almost feverish. They show his own state of mind. The whole landscape is alive with tension! Van G also wrote about the olive trees to his brother about how much he loved olive trees. You see real tenderness, turmoil and agitation in this painting.

I’m elated I saw this today. 🙏