Van Gogh in
Bridge of Langlois
Bridge of Langlois
The bridge was replaced in 1930 by a reinforced concrete one, which was destroyed by the Germans in the Second World War. A replica of the one Vincent painted stands a few kilometres south of the original location.
Van Gogh in
Bridge of Langlois
On the outskirts of town, the Pont de Réginelle (or Réginal), popularly known as Pont de Langlois, covered the Arles–Bouc canal. The spot attracted Vincent, with its combination of southern light, a Dutch-looking landscape and the oddly shaped bridge, which he thought looked Japanese. He felt compelled to paint it. On 16 March 1888, he first wrote to his brother Theo about painting the bridge:
“…I brought home a no.15 canvas today, it’s a drawbridge, with a little carriage going across it, outlined against a blue sky — the river blue as well, the banks orange with greenery, a group of washerwomen wearing blouses and multicoloured bonnets.” Read the complete letter
He was evidently pleased with his first painting of the bridge; on sending it to his brother, he said he was certain it would “be worth 500”.
Vincent made five more paintings and two drawings of the bridge during the spring of 1888.
Useful links
Relevant letters from Vincent
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Marije Vellekoop, Roelie Zwikker