Bloeiende amandeltakken
Vincent van Gogh
The artist
Vincent van Gogh
- Born
- Mar 30, 1853 · Groot-Zundert, Netherlands
- Died
- Jul 29, 1890 · Auvers-sur-Oise, France
- Art movement
- Post-Impressionism / early Expressionism
Vincent van Gogh was born in Groot-Zundert in the Netherlands in 1853 as the son of a pastor. After several attempts to work as a preacher, he decided to become a painter in 1879. From 1883-1885 he learnt to draw and paint from his cousin Anton Mauve. Initially, von Gogh painted in earthy, heavy colours, as in the painting "The Potato Eater".
In 1882, he fell in love with Clasina Maria Hoornik. However, this caused a dispute with his family as Hoornik was a pregnant former prostitute with a daughter. Nevertheless, van Gogh adopted both children and provided for his small family with his brother's money so that Hoornik no longer had to go out to work.
However, van Gogh separated from Hoornik again in 1883, knowing that in future he would devote himself entirely to painting without any relationship. After the separation, he began to paint heaths and moors as well as local farmers and farm labourers. In 1884, his brother suggested selling his works on the Paris art market in order to continue supporting him financially. However, van Gogh's paintings were too gloomy for the French market.
His choice of colours changed drastically when he moved to Paris in 1885. In Paris he met Impressionist painters, which brightened and lightened his colour palette. In Provence, he developed a style that was characterised by bright and expressive colours and had little to do with Impressionism.
However, van Gogh only stayed in Paris until 1888, when he moved to Arles. During this time, his mental state deteriorated rapidly, which led to his incessant hospitalisation in various hospitals in Arles and Saint Remy. His mental state led to an assault on his friend Gauguin in 1889. As a result of this quarrel, the friendship between the two painters broke down and van Gogh cut off one of his ears.
In 1890, van Gogh tried to kill himself with a revolver. He eventually died as a result of this attempt. Van Gogh always lived in complete poverty and was financially dependent on his brother, but his works are the most popular today and sell for millions at auction.
The artwork
Bloeiende amandeltakken
- Created
- 1890
- Technique
- Oil on canva
Vincent van Gogh painted Almond Blossom in 1890 at Saint-Rémy as a gift celebrating the birth of his nephew and namesake Vincent Willem, the son of his brother Theo and Theo’s wife Jo. Blossoms appearing at the end of winter became a symbol of new life and hope.
The branches spread across a brilliant blue sky in an unusually close composition. Van Gogh painted the delicate white and pink flowers with exceptional care, showing some in full bloom and others still in bud.
The flattened arrangement of the branches reflects his admiration for Japanese woodblock prints. For all its apparent simplicity, the painting conveys a vivid sense of renewal and a personal bond with his family. It belongs to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
Artwork details
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