Comparisons of Hiroshige and Van Gogh: Spanning Time

Comparisons of Hiroshige and Van Gogh: Spanning Time, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

The Langlois bridge reminded van Gogh of Hiroshige's print Sudden Shower on the Great Bridge. Inspired by the Japanese wood block prints, van Gogh sought to integrate techniques from Japanese artwork into his own. In a letter that van Gogh wrote to Bernard about the Langlois bridge he said that "if the Japanese are not making any progress in their own country, still it cannot be doubted that their art is being continued in France." With a Japanese aesthetic, Van Gogh's bridge of Langlois paintings reflect a more simplified use of color to create a harmonious and unified image. Outlines were used to suggest movement. He used fewer shades of colors rather multiple subtle color variations. These approaches created a more powerful impact and depicted the simpler, primitive quality of the country lifestyle.

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