Van Gogh’s Masterpieces Reunited: “Sunflowers” Triptych Showcased in London Exhibition

In a historic first, the National Gallery in London has brought together three of Vincent van Gogh’s iconic works, including two of his famous Sunflowers paintings, as part of the exhibition “Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers.” This unique exhibition focuses on the artist’s vibrant period in southern France, where he lived between February 1888 and May 1890, creating some of his most renowned works.

The exhibition includes around 50 paintings and drawings, showcasing Van Gogh’s emotional depth through his use of color and inventive techniques. The centerpiece of the exhibit is the triptych, which includes two Sunflowers paintings – one owned by the National Gallery since 1924 and the other on loan from a Washington museum – alongside The Lullaby, a portrait of a woman seated in an armchair. This arrangement, featuring the radiant yellow of the Sunflowers framing the serene portrait, reflects an idea Van Gogh had in 1889 to create a comforting scene, as he explained in letters to his brother, Theo.

Christopher Riopelle, co-curator of the exhibition, explains that this period in Van Gogh’s life marked a new level of artistic bravery and innovation. “His art takes on a new amplitude, a new inventiveness,” says Riopelle. The exhibition demonstrates how Van Gogh’s time in Arles and Saint-Rémy de Provence was transformative, as he explored new rhythms and freedom in his work.

The exhibition also delves deeply into Van Gogh’s connection with nature and his surroundings in southern France. From olive trees and mountains to the gardens of the psychiatric institution in Saint-Rémy, where Van Gogh spent several months, the natural world played a significant role in his creative process. Co-curator Cornelia Homburg highlights the exhibition’s focus on being respectful of Van Gogh’s artistic ambitions, portraying him as an artist dedicated not only to his craft but to the beauty of nature, family, and friendships.

While Van Gogh’s struggles with mental health are often emphasized, Riopelle notes that the exhibition reveals a different side of the artist: a visionary committed to establishing his place in the avant-garde art world. Through this carefully curated collection, visitors gain insight into Van Gogh’s complex character and the profound emotional resonance of his art.

This landmark exhibition offers a rare opportunity to witness the reunion of Van Gogh’s masterpieces and explore the deeper meanings behind his most iconic works.

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