*** About the Cafe Terrace at Night: Painted directly from life, without preliminary sketches, Van Gogh’s "Cafe Terrace at Night" was completed in September 1888 while he resided in Arles, France. This painting stands as a pinnacle of his explorations into the effects of light and color, characteristic of his Arles period. The artwork does not just depict urban life; it evokes the vibrant night atmosphere through the then-new technology of gas lighting. The thick application of paint and the vivid, contrasting colors serve as a testament to Van Gogh's innovative use of the post-impressionist style, which emphasizes emotional depth and beauty in everyday scenes. The inspiration behind this piece was the vibrant nightlife of Place du Forum in Arles, capturing the essence of its cafes and the communal life they fostered. This artwork currently hangs in the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands, allowing thousands of visitors annually to glimpse this magical nocturnal spectacle.

Disclaimer: This is a digital reproduction inspired by the original artwork. It is not an official scan or photograph of the original painting.