The Artist
- Who? Vincent van Gogh
- Born: 30 March 1853 in Groot-Zundert, Netherlands († 29 July 1890 in Auvers-sur-Oise, France)
- Style: 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 Gaugin 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
- Name: Bloeiende amandeltakken
- entstanden: 1890
- Technik: Oil on canvas
"Almond Blossoms" by Vincent van Gogh is a work full of symbolic meaning and artistic finesse. Created in 1890, Van Gogh painted this piece as a gift for the birth of his nephew, also named Vincent. It reflects the joy and hope the artist felt for the new life.
At this time, Van Gogh was living at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. He learned of his nephew's birth through a letter from his brother Theo. Deeply moved and inspired by the event, he immediately set to work on the painting. The piece depicts delicate, blooming almond branches against a bright blue sky – a symbol of new life and hope.
The influence of Japanese art, which Van Gogh greatly admired, is evident in "Almond Blossoms." The composition resembles the Ukiyo-e prints with their bold outlines and flat areas of color. Van Gogh used various shades of blue to depict the sky, giving the painting exceptional depth and vibrancy.
This work is not only an outstanding example of Van Gogh's masterful technique and emotional expression but also a symbol of his unwavering love for nature and his family. Today, it is one of the artist's most valuable and well-known works and is displayed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
Quellen
Van Gogh Museum: What You Need to Know About Van Gogh’s Almond Blossom
Vincent van Gogh Gallery: 10 Secrets of Almond Blossom by Vincent van Gogh
Van Gogh Studio: The story behind the Blossoming Almond Tree
Google Arts and Culture: Bloeiende amandeltakken
