The hill of Montmartre with stone quarry

The Hill of Montmartre with Stone Quarry, painted in 1886 soon after Vincent van Gogh arrived in Paris, offers a rare glimpse of Montmartre before its complete urbanization. The painting depicts a quiet, rural slope dotted with stone quarries, fences, and modest buildings, capturing the rustic charm of an area on the brink of transformation.

Executed in soft, earthy tones with a naturalistic style, the work reflects Van Gogh’s Dutch influences while hinting at his evolving interest in light and structure. It stands as a transitional piece—documenting both a changing landscape and an artist beginning to embrace the brighter, more expressive techniques that would soon define his mature work.