Belgium

The landscapes of Belgium, with their rolling hills, picturesque villages, and dramatic skies, should have provided van Gogh with endless inspiration. Instead, in December 1878, he moved to the poverty-stricken coal mining district of Borinage and was to take up the post as a missionary soon after. Most works during this period are sketches, although, in November 1885, Vincent returned to Belgium, this time to attend the Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp