The True Nature A Brief Analysis On The Unique Ukiyo-e Aesthetics Of Van Gogh’s Painting

In the middle of 19 th century, a worship of Japanese arts occurred on the field of western painting arts in Europe due to the introduction of Ukiyo-e. As a result, the influence of Ukiyo-e aesthetics on Impressionism was profound and lasting. In the meanwhile, only Van Gogh’s acceptance and adoration of Ukiyo-e seemed rather hysterical as a member of Post-Impressionism. This thesis takes Van Gogh’s particular attitude of Ukiyo-e as a breakthrough point, argues about the differences between Van Gogh and other Impressionism painters under the impact of Ukiyo-e aesthetics, and also the root causes behind.The artistic style of one artist is influenced by, to a great extent, his or her own life experience and the historical background he or she lives in. Without doubt, Van Gogh’s very symbolic artistic style reflects his mental consciousness on the field of painting. Also, Van Gogh’s fanatical pursuit of Ukiyo-e shows all kinds of connections between both sides. This thesis is based on the analysis of Van Gogh’s original epistle, combines the study of Japanese aesthetics and the comparison of other Impressionism members during the same time period. This thesis expounds the inner link between Van Gogh and Ukiyo-e on the premise that the reality has been grasped fully, precisely and systematically to dig deeper into the mental consciousness of Van Gogh.Research proves that Van Gogh’s fundamental motivation for painting is a shift of expression of love, including his humanitarian spirit and naturalism; it becomes the particularity of Van Gogh among other Impressionism members. And the inner consistency between Van Gogh and Ukiyo-e is the “original” love to secular world and nature. Also, Ukiyo-e, as a carrier of his ideal, naturally becomes admissions and sustenance of Van Gogh’s own utopia at the same time.