Van Gogh’s Sunflowers: interesting facts and meaning

If I say ‘Van Gogh’, what comes to mind? Probably ears (or rather, the absence of one), starry skies and… sunflowers, lots of sunflowers. Today, I want to take you on a journey of discovery through one of the most beloved series of paintings in art history: The Sunflowers. Those golden flowers that seem to dance in vases, whispering secrets, painted by Van Gogh, seem to be kissed by a light that never goes out.

Be careful, though, because behind those masterfully painted petals lies not only Vincent’s tormented genius, but also a story of friendship, competition and a touch of mystery. Curious? Then let’s begin!

VAN GOGH’S SUNFLOWERS

I girasoli di Van Gogh

Sunflowers are one of Van Gogh’s most famous subjects, depicted during his stay in Arles, Provence. The artist did not produce just one painting featuring sunflowers, as he was working on a completely new idea of still life, transforming the sunflowers he loved so much into a decorative element but also into a vision full of energy.

Van Gogh did not paint sunflowers simply because they were beautiful, but because, for him, these flowers were symbols of life and light, but also of fragility and decay. A wilted sunflower, with its petals drooping, tells of the inevitable end of all beautiful things, while those full of life shout their splendour to the world.

One canvas, a thousand emotions

When Van Gogh began painting his sunflowers, he wasn’t thinking about decorating a living room (although today they would look perfect above any sofa). No, he wanted to impress someone. That ‘someone’ was Paul Gauguin, the friend Vincent invited to stay at his Yellow House in Arles. The sunflowers were supposed to welcome Gauguin like a floral party, saying, ‘Welcome, friend, here there is warmth, colour and lots of art!’. Unfortunately, their cohabitation did not exactly end in a fragrant bouquet… The two friends quarrelled, Vincent went mad (as usual) and Gauguin fled to Polynesia, never to return.

The sunflowers were therefore intended to decorate ‘the southern studio’, the studio shared with Paul Gauguin, where, according to Vincent van Gogh, they were supposed to create a new and powerful art form together.

The secret language of sunflowers

There is one curious thing to note, however. Van Gogh used only three main colours for his sunflowers: yellow, orange and green. Yet the result is a dizzying explosion of shades. It’s a bit like saying that you can do a lot with very little, if you have talent and a touch of madness.

Van Gogh used a brushstroke that followed the shape of the petals and leaves to paint his sunflowers. In this way, the flowers take on personality and seem to come to life, taking on symbolic meaning as they become a metaphor for the vitality of nature.

How many sunflowers are there really?

Here comes the mystery. Van Gogh painted at least seven versions of Sunflowers in a Vase, but not all of them have survived. Some have disappeared into the maze of art collecting and beyond, while others are kept in the world’s most famous museums, such as the National Gallery in London and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

But be careful, not all of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers are the same: in some, the flowers are more lush, in others more dishevelled. In short, the sunflowers change with the artist’s mood and, given that we are talking about Van Gogh, we can imagine how much intensity there is behind every brushstroke.

Sunflowers today: superstars of art

Did you know that one of the versions of Sunflowers was sold for a record price?
In the 1980s, one of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers was auctioned for almost $40 million. Today, however, the Sunflowers series is priceless. Not only for the market, but for what they represent: the strength of a man who, despite everything, continued to believe in the power of art and beauty.

So, next time you see a sunflower, think of Vincent and the light he sought to capture not only on canvas, but also in life. Maybe try to see the world through his eyes: full of wonder, passion and a touch of healthy madness.

The Sunflowers are just one of the many masterpieces by the Dutch painter. Discover which works by Van Gogh you absolutely must know to fully understand his genius.