description Sunflowers Overview
Sunflowers commonly refers to two groups of still-life paintings made by Vincent van Gogh in Paris and Arles during the late 1880s. The better-known Arles series shows cut sunflowers at different stages of growth and decay arranged in simple vases, using a restricted range of yellows made possible by modern pigments. Van Gogh intended versions to decorate the Yellow House for Paul Gauguin's arrival in 1888, and surviving examples are held by several museums and private collections.
help Sunflowers FAQ
Why did Van Gogh paint the Arles Sunflowers?
Van Gogh intended the sunflower paintings to decorate the Yellow House in Arles before Paul Gauguin arrived in 1888. He imagined the works as part of a welcoming ensemble for the room Gauguin would use.
Is Van Gogh's Sunflowers a single painting?
No, the title commonly refers to multiple related still lifes, including an earlier Paris group and the famous vase paintings made in Arles. Major Arles versions are held by institutions including London's National Gallery and Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum.
Why do the flowers in Sunflowers look different from one another?
Van Gogh included blooms at several stages, from full flowering to wilting seed heads. This creates varied shapes and can also suggest the natural cycle of growth and decay.
Did Gauguin ever paint Van Gogh working on Sunflowers?
Yes, Gauguin painted The Painter of Sunflowers during his stay with Van Gogh in Arles. The portrait shows Van Gogh at work and is now in the Van Gogh Museum.
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