A Review on Van Gogh's Au Charbonnage

Today's artwork review is one of Vincent Van Gogh's earlier artworks called the Au Charbonnage. It was made in 1878 on paper and made with only pencil and brown ink. According to Vincent Van Gogh, he made this because he sees a lot of workers meeting here during their free time and just relax, eat and drink. 

My fondness for old looking things makes me like this artwork even without knowing of its history. This place looks so cozy and I think part of it is emphasized even more with the use of brown and the pencil shades. It kind of feels like walking up to the place itself and thinking of finally being able to relax despite the hard work done at the mines. I am glad that Vincent Van Gogh sends letters to his brother talking about his artwork because although art is supposed to be interpreted by the viewer, it is still better to know how the first viewer (the artist) saw it. Although this place is not in Paris, it reminds me of the night cafe culture that can be seen in the many many streets in Paris.