Some art historians see the Cypresses as a symbol of eternity, while others see them as a representation of the artist's own inner turmoil. Van Gogh himself wrote to his brother Theo about the paintings, saying, "I have a great need for nature, for calm, and for life, and I find that in the cypresses".

The olive trees have been interpreted in various ways, with some art historians seeing them as a symbol of life and growth, while others see them as a representation of the artist's own inner struggles and desire for spiritual redemption.

It depicts the view from the window of his room at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where he had admitted himself for treatment of his mental illness. Some art historians see it as a representation of the artist's own inner turmoil and struggles, while others see it as a celebration of the beauty and wonder of nature.