This piece was recently predicted to bring $7,000,000 – $10,000,000 at auction. It is a small section of a much larger landscape. Van Gogh abandoned all but this 13 inch fragment. Done in his impasto style with a remarkable color palette and possibly including himself as the figure with the straw hat, Van Gogh seems to call to us from his lonely life to remind us what is most important. He cut away a large drawbridge and expansive surroundings to show us just two people walking and caring.

Can a lonely person see priorities more clearly?  What should we do if this image pictures what we do not have time for in our current lives? Maybe we should cut away the many things that keep us from a walk with a companion. Maybe we should realize that this priority is one of God’s love and God’s commandment. Maybe we should do those things as soon as possible and live smaller and richer lives with the people who grace them.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church