Seascape near Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Painted in June 1888 during Van Gogh's first summer in Arles, this seascape records an expedition to the Mediterranean coast at Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a fishing village in the Camargue. Van Gogh made several paintings and drawings during his brief visit, enchanted by the intense blue Mediterranean light so different from northern Europe. The fishing boats in their bright colors against the vivid sea exemplify his response to Provence — an almost overwhelming intensity of color and light that he described in letters as unlike anything he had experienced. The Van Gogh Museum canvas is one of the most Mediterranean images in his entire oeuvre.

Van Gogh uses vivid blues and greens for the sea, rendered in vigorous parallel strokes that create a sense of rhythmic movement. The fishing boats are accented with complementary reds and yellows. The composition is bold and direct, with a horizon line placed high to maximize the dynamic sea surface.