Sunflowers

Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890), Arles, January 1889

oil on canvas, 95 cm x 73 cm

I am Vincent van Gogh. Today, I would like to talk about my painting of sunflowers.

This work began from a desire to decorate my studio in anticipation of my friend Paul Gauguin’s arrival.

In 1887, I painted the first version in Paris, and a year later, I completed a second version with sunflowers in a vase in Arles. Through the sunflowers, I wanted to express a sense of gratitude. These flowers captured the happiness I felt during that time.

I applied the paint thickly to give texture, and kept the background wall and table simple in color to make the sunflowers stand out more.

This series is one of my most famous works and showcases the possibilities of expressing various shades within a single color.

Gauguin was impressed by my sunflowers, calling it a “truly Van Gogh” painting. To commemorate the special time I shared with him, I continued painting these works.

I hope that those who view my painting feel a sense of gratitude and happiness in their hearts.