Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers are usually considered to be one of the most recognized paintings. Although, we have to remember that Sunflowers is not a single work. He has painted that not once, not twice but eleven times and created one of the most iconic series of still life. The question is why he wanted to present them a few times? What amazing things are they covering?

Actually, there are two different series with these flowers. First one was created in Paris. It involves four still-life paintings with cut sunflowers. There was a popular subject of paintings in the Dutch Golden Age. Van Gogh came across them when he was living in the Netherlands. After he had moved to Paris, the artist was using the subject to practise his painting skills.

Sunflowers used to be a decoration and an allegory of enjoyment during the Baroque. Though, van Gogh’s flowers are not especially happy. Look at the Two Cut Sunflowers (third version). These flowers remind me of dryness and death, loneliness and sadness but not happiness. They are surrounded by a blue background. They are looking as if they fall into oblivion.

Vincent van Gogh really developed his own style in Paris. But he was not happy there. He was still feeling overwhelmed in the city. That is the reason why he has decided to move to a small town – Arles. There he had a wonderful idea to create a colony of artists. In this time he was actively corresponding with famous painter – Paul Gauguin. They were impressed by each other’s works. They used to talk a lot about art. Finally the painter moved to van Gogh in October 1888. Their place is known as the Yellow House. 

The house had been in a terrible condition, when van Gogh found this place. But finally he had renovated it and the house was fit for living. That was a time of hope. The painter believed in his future success. His place was the subject of one of his works. In the painting we can see a big contrast between the ultramarine sky and yellow buildings. The brightest one is van Gogh’s home at the corner of streets. It shines like artists in society. The house represents the painter’s energy and ambitions. 

In this place van Gogh and Gauguin had a great time. They were spending whole days on creating new masterpieces. They have even painted each other portraits. Gauguin’s painting has the title The Painter of Sunflowers.

Here we are. The second series of sunflowers was created for this place. The paintings’ job was lighting up the atelier and rooms by their amazing colours as same as stained glass does. Also they symbolize a new hope. Van Gogh has made them perfectly. Gauguin was very impressed. These ones really emanate flash and enjoyment. There is no photograph which could replace them. Everyone who has seen the Sunflowers in vase in London or Amsterdam live should know this glow I am writing about.

As you can guess, this happiness did not last forever. Gauguin and van Gogh had totally different personalities. They usually argued. During their last argument, the sunflower’s painter threatened the other artist. That is when he also cut his ear. Later Gauguin left Arles and his friend and went to Paris. After this van Gogh’s mental issues got worse. He had to take a lot of sleep remedies. He usually mentioned Gauguin in letters to Theo. He couldn’t forget about him. This is how the artist’s dream about a colony of artists died like cut sunflowers. 

The Sunflowers presents two different moments in van Gogh’s life. But no matter how he was feeling, he always tried his best. He always was sure that these flowers were incredible. And today there are millions of people who admire his works, because he always acted according to his feelings. This is how he became one of the most authentic persons in art history. That made him so popular. He left a part of himself in paintings. Apart from brush and canvas he always used emotion to create expressive masterpieces. This is the reason why Vincent van Gogh is recognized as one of the precursors of expressionism. His legacy has been affected crowds of temporary artists. 

That is why maybe the painter of sunflowers should be an example for all of us. Maybe we need to just follow our feelings (unless they are telling us to cut ears) and try our best to flash like his sunflowers.