Bridges across the Seine at Asnieres

Painted in the summer of 1887 during Van Gogh's Paris period, this view of the Seine at Asnières shows his rapid assimilation of Impressionist subject matter and his new, brighter palette. He was spending time at Asnières with Émile Bernard and Paul Signac, absorbing their ideas about colour and technique. The river, bridges, and light-drenched suburban scenes he painted there represent a decisive break from the dark Dutch manner. Now at the Kunsthaus Zürich, this work is a joyful record of Van Gogh's engagement with Paris and its surrounding landscape at a moment of intense artistic transformation.

Broken, dappled brushstrokes in blues, greens, and warm whites record reflected light on the Seine. The influence of Pointillism is visible in places — particularly the water surface — while the bridges and embankment are handled with looser Impressionist strokes. The overall effect is luminous and immediate, far removed from his Nuenen palette.