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In my painting of the 'All -Night Cafe' I've tried to express the idea that the cafe is a place where one can ruin oneself, become crazy and criminal. Through the contrast of the delicate pink, blood red and dark red, of mild Louis-XV and Veronese green against the yellow-green and stark-blue tones- all this in an atmosphere like the devil's inferno and pale sulphurous yellow...I've tried to convey the sinister power of such a place.

Vincent Willem Van Gogh#55

ArtMoralityColorAtmosphereDangerSin

About this quote

What does it mean?
He used contrasting colors to express how a cafe can lead to ruin and sin.
In plain terms
He used color to show the cafe was a dangerous place.
What can you take from it?
Art can reveal hidden dangers in familiar places.

Where it applies

  • analyzing art
  • interpreting scenes
  • viewing cafes

Putting it to work

  • study color meaning
  • analyze art themes
  • observe atmosphere

Questions to consider

  • What does this color scheme say?
  • How does art show danger?

Another view

Artistic intent may not match how viewers interpret the work.

More from Vincent Willem Van Gogh

  1. If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.

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  2. In spite of everything I shall rise again: I will take up my pencil, which I have forsaken in my great discouragement, and I will go on with my drawing.

    Permalink to quote #56
  3. If one keeps loving faithfully what is really worth loving, and does not waste one's love on insignificant and unworthy and meaningless things, one will get mo…

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