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

Vincent van Gogh's "The Bridge in the Rain (after Hiroshige)" is an oil on canvas painting from 1887. Part of a series of copies Van Gogh made after Japanese woodblock prints, it reflects the Japonisme craze that swept through Europe in the late 19th century.

Vincent van Gogh's "The Bridge in the Rain (after Hiroshige)" is an oil on canvas painting completed in 1887. This work forms part of a series of copies Van Gogh made after Japanese woodblock prints, specifically those by Hiroshige, reflecting the Japonisme craze that swept through Europe in the late 19th century. Van Gogh did not merely copy these works; he reinterpreted them through his own artistic lens, using his distinctive brushwork and colour palette. The painting depicts a bridge, likely based on Hiroshige's "Sudden Shower over Shin-Ōhashi bridge and Atake", with figures hurrying across it under a downpour. Van Gogh's version is framed by borders filled with Japanese calligraphy, adding to the overall aesthetic. The sky is rendered with short, choppy brushstrokes in shades of blue and white, conveying the intensity of the rain. The bridge itself is a bright yellow, contrasting with the green and brown tones of the surrounding environment. The figures are simplified, yet their movement is palpable, capturing the urgency of seeking shelter from the rain. Van Gogh's personal style is evident in the thick application of paint and the expressive use of colour, transforming Hiroshige's print into a distinctly Post-Impressionist work.