"Van Gogh painted this picture in August 1888, and also made a pen and ink drawing of the same scene, altering a few details. Here his colours are vibrant and pure, and sing with clarity. ..The very linear composition of these barges was typical of his style at this time, and combines a childlike simplicity with on accomplished eye for perspective and form. This can be seen in the busy figure wheeling a barrow, which is little more than...." http://www.vangogh.net/barges-on-the-rhone-river.jsp