Café Terrace at Night (Place du Forum, Arles)
Reproduction print on composite board or stiff paper • Original by Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890); this object is a mass-produced reproduction
Style & Movement
Post-Impressionism (original style)
Medium & Technique
Mechanical print reproduction (likely offset lithography) mimicking the impasto brushwork of the original oil painting
Creation Period
Contemporary (late 20th or early 21st century)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 60 x 40 cm (Standard poster/print size), Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A nocturnal scene in Arles, France, featuring the illuminated terrace of a café under a starry sky. The composition utilizes a strong perspective, contrasting the warm yellow glow of the lanterns with the cool blue of the night sky and the cobblestone street. Figures are seen sitting at tables or walking in the background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; slight edge wear visible, though colors appear bright and saturated for a reproduction
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $40 USD
Auction Estimate
$5 - $20 USD (nominal value for decorative household items)
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired from a museum gift shop, decor retailer, or online poster supplier
Art Historical Significance
The original 1888 painting (now in the Kröller-Müller Museum) is highly significant as Van Gogh's first painting featuring a starry background and his innovative use of non-black shadows in a night scene. This specific item is a decorative copy with no art historical primary value.
Notable Features
The image is a well-known masterwork reproduction. It lacks the physical texture of actual oil paint (impasto), though the 2D image captures the visual effect of the artist's heavy brushstrokes.
Condition Issues
Minor scuffing at the edges; lack of frame makes the corners vulnerable to bending or delamination of the print layer.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional framing with UV-protective glass if longevity is desired; avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading of the printing inks.