One of Vincent Van Gogh’s most iconic paintings is called Almond Blossom. Many do not realize the unique story behind this painting.
Almond Blossom by Vincent van Gogh is a painting that he painted for his brother Theo and sister-in-law, Jo, to celebrate the birth of their son Vincent Willem. Vincent Van Gogh painted the Almond Blossom painting in hopes that Vincent Willem would have the painting in his bedroom. The Almond Blossom painting shows the influence of Japanese Woodblock prints on Van Gogh’s artwork.
Table of Contents
- About Almond Blossom By Vincent Van Gogh
- Almond Blossom By Van Gogh And Japanese Woodblock Prints
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Questions
About Almond Blossom By Vincent Van Gogh
Almond Blossom by Vincent Van Gogh was one of the many paintings he painted during the last few months of his life. The Almond Blossom painting was completed in February 1890, and Vincent Van Gogh was to die an untimely death on July 29, 1890.
The Almond Blossom painting is part of the permanent exhibition of the Van Gogh Museum in Holland and is now on view. The canvas is 73.3 cm by 92.4 cm or about 28.8 inches by 36.4 inches.
The painting was a gift from Vincent Van Gogh to his brother Theo and sister-in-law Jo to congratulate them on their newborn son Vincent Willem Van Gogh. In speaking of the birth of their son, Theo wrote to Vincent the following:
“As we told you, we’ll name him after you, and I’m making the wish that he may be as determined and as courageous as you.”
Theo Van Gogh to Vincent Van gogh – 31 January 1890
Vincent Van Gogh chose the subject of Almond Blossoms for a new baby that almost trees symbolize new life. Almond tree flowers will blossom early in spring, so they are the ideal symbol for new life.
In speaking of the Almond Blossom painting, it is a gift to Theo and Jo for the birth of their son Vincent Willem; Vincent Van Gogh wrote to his mother in February of 1890 about his hope for the painting for his new nephew Vincent Willem, said:
“I’ve been meaning to answer your letter for days, but didn’t get round to writing because I was painting from morning till night, and so the time passed. I imagine that your thoughts, like mine, are with Jo and Theo. How glad I was when the news came that it had gone well; very good thing Wil stayed. I’d much rather that he’d called his boy after Pa, whom I’ve thought about so often these days, than after me, but anyway, as it’s been done now I started right away to make a painting for him, to hang in their bedroom. Large branches of white almond blossom against a blue sky.”
Vincent Van Gogh to His Mother Anna Van Gogh Carbentus – 19 February 1890
As you can understand, the Almond Blossom painting has always had special significance to the van Gogh family, especially to Vincent Willem Van Gogh. It is also one of the paintings Van Gogh produced near the end of his life.
Provenance Of Almond Blossom Painting
To fully comprehend how vital this painting was to the van Gogh family, it is interesting to be able to learn a little bit about the province of this painting and how the painting has never got out of the hands of the van Gogh family, except to be donated to the van Gogh museum.
Here is the provenance of the Almond Blossom painting:
- April 1890 – The painting was sent to Theo and Jo Van Gogh from Vincent Van Gogh from Saint-Remy-de-Provence.
- 25 January 1891 – After the death of Theo Van Gogh, Jo Van Gogh-Bonger and her son Vincent Willem inherited the painting.
- 2 September 1925 – Upon Jo Van Gogh’s death- Bonger’s painting was transferred to Vincent Willem Van Gogh.
- 10 July 1962 – Vincent Willem Van Gogh transferred the painting to the Van Gogh Foundation and the State of Netherlands to preserve and maintain the Van Gogh Collection and for a Van Gogh museum to be set up.
The painting has been on loan to some museums, but since it was produced in 1890, it has been in the hands of the Van Gogh family until they donated it to the museum. This painting has excellent provenance, and there is no question that it is a Vincent Van Gogh painting as it was given s directly by the artist to his brother Thao’s family.
Almond Blossom By Van Gogh And Japanese Woodblock Prints
We know that Vincent van Gogh was fascinated with Japanese woodblock, prints, and printmaking. He had several woodblock prints in his studio and, many times, in his letters, mentioned Japanese woodblock, print artist, and their techniques.
The Almond Blossom painting is one painting that shows the inspiration that van Gogh received from the Japanese woodblock printmakers. He borrowed the subject matter, which was the almond blossoms; almond blossoms are a very Asian motif.
But more than just painting the Almond Blossom, the way he uses bold outlines and the position of the blossoms show definite influence by the Japanese woodblock printmakers. The position of the almond tree branches in the painting shows the influence of the Japanese printmakers on van Goghs artwork.
This is one of the significant artworks by Vincent van Gogh, where you could see the influence of Japanese woodblock prints on his artwork.
Almond Blossom painting has always been one of my favorite paintings by Vincent van Gogh. I love how he painted the blue background with the almond blossoms coming off the blue sky. Almond blossoms are also one of my favorite subjects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Vincent Van Gogh to create the Almond Blossom painting?
Vincent Van Gogh was inspired to paint Almond Blossom to celebrate the birth of his nephew, Vincent Willem. The painting was intended as a gift for his brother Theo and sister-in-law Jo.
Why did Vincent Van Gogh choose almond blossoms as the subject of the painting?
Van Gogh selected almond blossoms as the subject to symbolize new life and the awakening of nature. The almond tree, with its blossoms, held special significance for him.
What is the significance of the Almond Blossom painting in Vincent Van Gogh’s personal life?
The painting holds personal significance as a gift for his newborn nephew. Van Gogh painted it with the hope that it would adorn Vincent Willem’s bedroom.
How does Japanese Woodblock prints influence the Almond Blossom painting?
The Almond Blossom painting reflects the influence of Japanese Woodblock prints on Van Gogh’s art. This influence is evident in the composition and stylized depiction of the blossoms.
What does the Almond Blossom painting symbolize in terms of emotions and sentiments?
The painting symbolizes joy, new beginnings, and the beauty of life. Van Gogh used the blossoms to convey a sense of hope and happiness.
Is there a specific reason why Van Gogh painted the Almond Blossom in a series?
Van Gogh painted several versions of the Almond Blossom, possibly to experiment with different compositions and color schemes. Each version retains the essence of celebrating life.
How did Vincent’s family react to the Almond Blossom painting?
While specific details about the family’s reaction are not widely documented, it is known that Van Gogh created the painting as a cherished gift for his brother Theo and family.
What techniques did Van Gogh use to capture the essence of the almond blossoms?
Van Gogh employed bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors to depict the almond blossoms. His distinctive use of texture and color contributes to the overall emotional impact of the painting.
How did the Almond Blossom painting contribute to Van Gogh’s artistic legacy?
The Almond Blossom painting is considered a masterpiece that showcases Van Gogh’s unique style. It contributes to his legacy by encapsulating his ability to infuse emotion into his artwork.
Where can one view the Almond Blossom painting today?
The Almond Blossom painting is housed in various museums and private collections. Notably, one version can be viewed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. The painting continues to attract art enthusiasts worldwide.
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