Scene
The paintings show bouquets of sunflowers arranged in simple vases against largely yellow backgrounds. The flowers are placed on a narrow table, set in fields of yellow that nearly dissolve the distinction between foreground and background.
Sunflowers
Vincent van Gogh
1888
Figures
The works feature sunflowers at all stages of life, from fresh blooms to drying seed heads. In one well-known version, 15 sunflowers are slightly larger than life and carefully observed.
Symbolism
Van Gogh associated the flowers with gratitude, friendship, and welcome. The depiction of flowers from budding to withering also suggests themes of mortality and the passage of time.
Craft
Van Gogh used thick impasto brushwork to create a strongly textured surface that gives each flower head a distinct character and a flame-like quality.
Impact
These paintings are considered icons of modern art and are among the most visited and discussed works of the 19th century.
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Craft
