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The Alyscamps, 1888
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The Tombs at Alyscamps, Arles © Ganne (fonds) / Centre des Monuments Nationaux
The colour of the autumn trees in a lane lined with old Roman and medieval sarcophagi captivated Van Gogh and prompted this view of Arles, in which he imagined a pair of lovers taking a promenade. It also provided a perfect balancing of opposites, which the artist felt created harmony in a picture. Here the remnants of the ancient world are contrasted with modern factories glimpsed between the trees, while young lovers walk among the dead.
Oil on canvas
Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation Collection, Athens