Two Crabs by Vincent van Gogh

Believed to be painted just after Vincent van Gogh's hospital release in 1889, this still life of two crabs is another great example of Vincent's inspiration from Ukiyo-e and Japanese art. The inspiration for this painting in particular might have come from a magazine sent to him by his brother Theo. The magazine 'Le Japon Artistique' was published monthly for 36 months from 1888 to 1891, and contained different reproductions of Japanese artworks, such as those by Hokusai. Hokusai did actually also produce a few prints depicting crabs, which might be the direct inspiration behind this painting.