For Van Gogh, the cypresses were not an easy subject at all. In a letter from Saint-Rémy he wrote:
“In my case the emotions that take hold of me in the face of nature go as far as fainting, and then the result is a fortnight during which I am incapable of working. However, before leaving here, I am planning to return to the fray to attack the cypresses.”
That says a great deal. Wheat Field with Cypresses may look full of freedom and movement, but for Van Gogh it also represented a direct confrontation with nature at its most powerful. The swirling sky, the rising cypresses and the rolling wheat all seem alive, as if the whole landscape is breathing and moving at once.
Just outside the asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Vincent nevertheless managed to paint three versions of this now world-famous composition. That makes the subject even more remarkable: something he found almost overwhelming still became one of the great triumphs of his time in the South of France.
For this painted replica we chose a small, charming Spanish gilded frame from the first half of the twentieth century. Its refined inlay gives the frame an unusual sense of depth, which suits the painting beautifully. The warm gold has enough presence to enrich the yellows and greens of the landscape, yet it does not overpower the restless elegance of Van Gogh’s brushwork.
The frame is in good condition and has a particularly intimate character. Rather than making the painting feel grand or heavy, it brings it closer to the viewer. That combination of delicacy, warmth and depth makes it a lovely match for a painting in which so much energy is held within a relatively compact scene.
Painting: 23 x 32 cm / 9.1 x 12.6 inch
Frame: 42,5 x 51,8 cm / 16.7 x 20.4 inch
Looking for an artwork with both beauty and provenance? This painted Van Gogh replica, combined with a charming antique Spanish gilded frame, brings history, warmth and art into your interior.