Who painted Willows at Sunset?

Willows at Sunset was painted by Vincent van Gogh in 1888.

Where can I see Willows at Sunset?

Willows at Sunset is held by Kröller-Müller Museum.

What movement is Willows at Sunset?

Willows at Sunset is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Artwork

Willows at Sunset

Vincent van Gogh , 1888

Willows at Sunset is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the Kröller-Müller Museum.

About this work

Overview

Vincent van Gogh painted Willows at Sunset in 1888 using oil on canvas. The work presents a quiet riverside scene where slender willow silhouettes are set against a sky ablaze with the warm tones of a setting sun. The composition balances dark foreground forms with luminous background, inviting the eye to move across the tranquil landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures a moment of evening calm, emphasizing the contrast between the dark, gestural outlines of the willows and the radiant, golden sky. This juxtaposition suggests a fleeting transition between day and night, evoking a sense of quiet contemplation and the natural cycle of light.

Technique & Style

Van Gogh employs loose, expressive brushwork to render the grass and foliage, while the sky is treated with broader, smoother strokes that convey the glow of sunset. The palette relies on deep greens and blacks for the trees, set against ochres, oranges, and yellows, creating depth through color temperature and tonal contrast.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the canvas has entered the collection of the Kröller-Müller Museum in the Netherlands, where it is displayed among other works from the artist’s late period. The museum acquired the piece as part of its extensive holdings of Van Gogh’s late 1880s output.