Bridge in the Rain (after Hiroshige) Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)

Vincent van Goghs Bridge in the Rain (after Hiroshige) is a vibrant painting that captures a rainy scene inspired by Japanese art.

What is depicted:

The central focus is a wooden bridge, painted in warm golden hues, that arches over a body of water. Multiple figures, appearing as silhouettes against the water, are crossing the bridge, some with straw hats and others carrying bundles on their backs. They are depicted in a stylized manner, emphasizing their movement and the overall atmosphere rather than individual detail. The water is rendered in a striking turquoise, with horizontal brushstrokes that suggest ripples and flow. In the background, a distant shore is visible, with softly painted, blue-green trees or hills that blur into the hazy atmosphere. The entire scene is enveloped in a heavy downpour, depicted by numerous diagonal blue-white brushstrokes that streak across the sky and water, creating a strong sense of movement and obscuring the view.

The painting is framed by a decorative border. The inner border is bright green, adorned with red Chinese characters, and the outermost border is a bold red. These elements frame the central image, much like the decorative matting of a Japanese print.

Subtext:

• Homage to Japanese Art: This painting is a direct homage to Japanese ukiyo-e prints, specifically to artist Utagawa Hiroshiges Sudden Shower over Shin-Ōhashi Bridge and Atake. Van Gogh was deeply influenced by Japanese prints, admiring their bold compositions, flat planes of color, and distinctive use of line. This work is an interpretation and re-imagining of Hiroshiges vision through Van Goghs unique Post-Impressionist style.

• Atmosphere and Emotion: The intense rain and darkened sky convey a powerful atmospheric effect. While the original Hiroshige print also depicts rain, Van Gogh amplifies the feeling of a downpour through energetic, almost frenetic brushstrokes. This can be interpreted as Van Gogh projecting his own emotional intensity onto the scene. The contrast between the vibrant, almost artificial colors (like the turquoise water) and the somber mood of the rain creates a compelling tension.

• Modernity and the Urban Landscape: While rooted in traditional Japanese imagery, the scene of a busy bridge with people crossing can be seen as a representation of a functional, perhaps urban, landscape. The strong diagonals of the rain and the bridges structure suggest dynamism and perhaps the onward march of life, even in inclement weather.

• Bridging Cultures: The act of repainting a Japanese artwork by a Dutch artist symbolizes a cultural exchange and the universal appeal of art. Van Goghs rendition highlights how artistic styles and interpretations can travel across continents and centuries, evoking similar feelings and ideas in different contexts.