Red cabbages and onions

Red Cabbages and Onions, painted in 1887 during Van Gogh’s Paris period, is a bold and richly textured still life that reflects his growing fascination with color, contrast, and everyday objects. The composition features plump, purple cabbages and golden onions arranged on a simple surface, rendered with thick, expressive brushstrokes and vibrant, earthy tones.

Influenced by Impressionism and Japanese prints, Van Gogh moved away from the darker tones of his earlier work to embrace more luminous, saturated hues. In this painting, the humble vegetables are elevated into a striking study of form, texture, and harmony. Red Cabbages and Onions reveals Van Gogh’s ability to find beauty and expressive power in the most ordinary subjects.