Setting:
The painting depicts the interior of a real café called "Le Café de la Gare" in Arles, France. The café was located across the street from Van Gogh's Yellow House, where he was living at the time.
Key Features of the Setting:
* Dark, dimly lit interior: The café is filled with an oppressive, almost suffocating darkness, highlighting the loneliness and isolation of the people inside.
* Red and green color scheme: The dominant colors are a jarring, artificial red for the walls and tables, contrasted with the harsh green of the billiard table. These colors create an unsettling, almost hallucinatory effect.
* People and activity: The painting depicts a few figures, including a bartender and customers, all of whom appear to be lonely and isolated, engaging in solitary activities.
* Distorted perspective: The perspective is exaggerated, with the ceiling appearing low and the tables and chairs seemingly tilting and bending, further contributing to the unsettling atmosphere.
The setting of "The Night Café" is not simply a backdrop; it's an integral part of the painting's meaning, reflecting Van Gogh's own struggles with mental illness and his desire to capture the loneliness and despair of the human condition.