Van Gogh's use of curling spirals of orange and black in the foliage brings a dynamic energy to the scene, almost as if the branches were moving in a strong wind.

A striking visual effect is created by the contrast between the warm yellows and oranges of the tree and the cool blues and purples of the sky.

Painted while in the asylum at Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, this work demonstrates van Gogh's ability to find beauty and vitality in nature during a turbulent period in his life.

"[5] In a letter to his brother, Theo, van Gogh described his delight in capturing the season's essence: "I’ll tell you that we’re having some superb autumn days, and that I’m taking advantage of them.

"[6] When van Gogh painted the solitary mulberry tree - not much bigger than a shrub - orange and red, with foliage filling an entire canvas.

I painted one not long ago when its bushy foliage was a magnificent yellow against a very blue sky and a white, stony, sunlit field behind.

Hugo von Hofmannsthal, an Austrian visionary poet, recounted his visit in the form of a fictitious letter titled "Colors".

Saunier emphasized van Gogh's ability to create a "complex, wholly intellectual art", that conveyed a sense of cheerfulness throughout his "Auvers orchards".