Factory at Arles with Field and Red Sky

Arnold Smith
December 2003
Oil on linen
73 x 92 cm.
29 x 36 in.

The original version of this painting was lost in a trade to Paul Gauguin in 1888. It was sent to Pont-Avon in Brittany and has not been seen since. It is the companion to the painting of the Night Cafe (Le Cafe de Nuit) with it's red walls, green ceiling and yellow floor. Vincent described this painting as "Nature in all it's fury." The original was painted outdoors in a strong Mistral wind just before sunset. It was recreated from a combination of Vincent's letters, other paintings done at the time and a drawing he did of a factory in Arles. I would also like to thank my friend Robert Harrison of Montreal for pointing me in the direction of this lost work.

Drawing of Field with Factory
( courtesy of www.vggallery.com )

(Detail)

(Detail)