Vincent van Gogh’s two hospital paintings from his recovery will be exhibited at the Courtauld Gallery from 14 February to 26 May. Acquired by Oskar Reinhart in the 1920s, “The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles” and “The Ward in the Hospital at Arles” showcase contrasting themes of vibrancy and confinement, reflecting his emotional state during a tumultuous period in his life.
Vincent van Gogh created two notable paintings of the Arles hospital while recovering from his ear injury: “The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles” and “The Ward in the Hospital at Arles”. Both paintings were acquired by Swiss collector Oskar Reinhart in the 1920s and are now part of the Courtauld Gallery’s upcoming exhibition, “Goya to Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Oskar Reinhart Collection” (14 February-26 May). This marks a significant lending of Reinhart’s collection after years of restrictions.
The first painting, “The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles”, depicts a vibrant courtyard filled with flowers and trees while evoking a sense of healing and vibrancy within confinement. Van Gogh detailed the scene to his sister as filled with various flower beds and bright greenery. This work, completed in late April 1889, showcases his characteristic style while contrasting his mental struggles at the time due to the aftermath of cutting his ear.
The second painting, “The Ward in the Hospital at Arles”, reflects a starkly different environment: the men’s ward where Van Gogh was treated, filled with curtained beds and a central crucifix. Van Gogh described it as a long ward with white walls and a red-brick floor. While he completed the painting during his stay, he later added elements from memory, admitting the challenges of painting figures without models.
Both artworks encapsulate Van Gogh’s experience during a tumultuous period. They will be highlighted at the Courtauld Gallery alongside the intriguing history of their acquisition, including a missed opportunity for the National Gallery to acquire “The Courtyard” earlier on. This interplay of art history reveals the fluctuating value of Van Gogh’s works over time and their significance within the broader Impressionist context.
Vincent van Gogh spent a turbulent time in the Arles hospital after infamously severing part of his own ear. During this stay, he created two essential paintings that visually capture his dual experiences of confinement and inspiration. Art collector Oskar Reinhart later acquired these paintings, originally facing restrictions on loans from his museum. This year, they are finally being lent to the Courtauld Gallery for a significant exhibition, revealing their historical and artistic narratives.
The exhibition at the Courtauld Gallery featuring Van Gogh’s two hospital paintings marks an important moment in art history. The works reflect his tumultuous life during recovery and highlight the contrasting aspects of his experience in the hospital. Their journey from private ownership to public exhibition underscores the evolving perception and significance of Van Gogh’s artwork within the art community.
Original Source: theartnewspaper.com