Houses seen from the back

Houses Seen from the Back (1885 - 1886) is a moody and introspective work created by Vincent van Gogh during his transitional period between the Netherlands and his move to Paris. The painting depicts a row of modest, rear-facing houses with steep, sloping roofs, framed by bare trees and a somber sky.

Executed in dark, earthy tones with restrained brushwork, the scene reflects Van Gogh’s early realist style and his interest in the everyday architecture of working-class life. There is a quiet dignity in the unadorned view—an appreciation for the overlooked and ordinary. This work bridges Van Gogh’s Dutch period and his later, more color-saturated explorations, offering a glimpse into his evolving artistic vision.