Van Gogh’s Sunflower series has remarkably become one of the most popular and recognizable art series known throughout the history of art. In actual fact Van Gogh worked at these paintings over three years, initially beginning the series in Paris, where he lived with his brother Theo, from 1886-88.

The sunflower has often had religious and symbolic meanings. In the Christian faith it has often been the symbol of the Christian opening up to God’s love.

Sunflower series Van Gogh

It Began in Paris

The Paris series comprised four works, all cut and trimmed sunflowers. The first one was a small study, the next two concentrated on two buttons in each, and the fourth put the second and third paintings together, four buttons along a branch.

The colours are muter, and you can see Van Gogh’s interest in capturing the shape of the sunflower, the variations of each petal and the idiosyncratic way a sunflower tilts.

Everything is Yellow

The Arles series comprises the best known sunflower works that also caused huge controversy in their time. The most famous, the fourth version, specifically, a contemporary of Van Gogh at the time quoted: “Merde! Everything is yellow! I don’t know what painting is any more!”

Sunflower Replications

This was also a four-part series, but with the added inclusion of copies, or repetitions, that Van Gogh made.

It is thought after the great interest that Gauguin had to get his hands on the fourth version Van Gogh was worried he may lose them so he decided to make replicated versions, which like Van Gogh’s other copies, are quite different than the originals.


Bad Weather Can Sometimes Be Useful

The second series was only undertaken because the weather was awful, strong winds and rain made it impossible for Van Gogh to go out and paint in the wheat fields.

Staying put in the Yellow House, he decided to revisit the sunflower series. There is evidence in his letters that he also planned at some later date to do a series of twelve more works, and completely fill the Yellow House.

In part 2 we well go through each version of the Arles series. Don’t forget every sunflower painting is possible for reproduction through Van Gogh Studio.  

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    02-09-2016 01:35     Comments ( 0 )
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