Vincent van Gogh
Zundert, 1853-Auvers-sur-Oise, 1890
Vase with Carnations, 1886
Oil on canvas
Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, purchased
with the generous support of the VVHK
Although Van Gogh only painted floral still lifes
a handful of times while in Holland,
he began to concentrate on the subject
during his stay in Paris (1886-1887).
By experimenting with various colour combinations
in his floral compositions, he threw himself into
what became a dedicated study of colour.
He was also encouraged by the more lucrative potential
of flower subjects, especially considering they did not require
model fees, and given the involvement of artists
such as Monticelli and Jeannin in the field.
Vincent van Gogh
Zundert, 1853-Auvers-sur-Oise, 1890
Roses and Peonies, June 1886
Oil on canvas Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo, The Netherlands
Vincent van Gogh
Zundert, 1853-Auvers-sur-Oise, 1890
Flowers in a Blue Vase, c. June 1887
Oil on canvas
Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo, The Netherlands
This floral still life was painted during Van Gogh's second year
in Paris. It is an example of one of Van Gogh's studies
of colour combinations, with yellow, blue, red, white
and purple flowers placed in a light blue vase.
The influence of Impressionism is evident here,
particularly in the detailed touch of the background pointillism.
However Van Gogh has experimented
with different painting styles,
using a thicker application of paint on the flowers,
and a broader brush stroke for the table.
Vincent van Gogh
Zundert, 1853-Auvers-sur-Oise, 1890
Still Life with Meadow Flowers and Roses, 1886-87
Oil on canvas
Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo, The Netherlands, acquired by the ministry of CRM for the museum, with support from
the Rembrandt Association and the Prince Bernhard Fund
There are many aspects of this work
that make it unusual in Van Gogh's œuvre,
including the size of the canvas, the composition,
the light touch, and the position of his signature
(usually found in the lower right corner), However,
X-ray studies have revealed that it was painted over
a picture of two wrestlers
(there is a surviving letter from Van Gogh stating
that he had painted "two wrestlers") and
further scientific investigation confirmed
that both paintings were indeed by Van Gogh.
