Vincent van Gogh
“Auvers is very beautiful, with many old thatched roofs, which are becoming rare … truly, it is profoundly beautiful—genuine countryside, full of character and charm,” Vincent van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo and sister-in-law Jo shortly after arriving in Auvers-sur-Oise on May 20, 1890, precisely 135 years ago today! Settling in a hamlet called Chaponval in the western part of the village, Van Gogh captured a cluster of houses nestled among walled gardens and trees, their silhouettes etched against a moody gray-blue sky.
Van Gogh lived there until his death on 29 July of the same year. During these months, he was tremendously productive and created several of his most renowned masterpieces. He often created more than one painting a day, while freely experimenting with new approaches to color, brushwork, formats and subjects.
Inspiring as his new surroundings were, feelings of failure, loneliness and melancholy gradually gained the upper hand, culminating in his decision to take his own life.
P.S. Here's Vincent van Gogh in 10 paintings! Discover the artistic journey of this great master of Post-Impressionism.
P.P.S. You can purchase premium-quality prints of the most iconic van Gogh masterpieces in the DailyArt Shop! :)