Vincent van Gogh
Time flies so fast; it is already May!
Vincent van Gogh had long admired the work of Charles-François Daubigny, a renowned landscape painter who had lived in Auvers. Known as an artists’ haven, Auvers had already attracted painters like Armand Guillaumin, Camille Pissarro, and Paul Cézanne. Charles Daubigny, whom Van Gogh greatly admired, had settled there around 1860, and when Van Gogh arrived, Daubigny’s widow still lived in their home. Eager to see Daubigny’s home and garden upon his arrival in the village, Vincent visited them as soon as possible. This painting is his first depiction of the garden, followed by two larger versions on canvas.
Lacking a canvas at the time, Van Gogh painted this piece on a red and white striped tea towel. He first applied a bright pink ground layer, mixing lead-white pigment with red, creating a striking contrast with the green tones of the garden. The pink base remained visible between the brushstrokes, but the red pigment faded over time, leaving the base with a grayish hue.
P.S. There's something special about Van Gogh's landscapes. It's almost as if they give us a glimpse into artist's moods. Discover the fascinating connection between Vincent van Gogh and nature!