Two Van Gogh paintings, “The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles” and “The Ward in the Hospital at Arles,” will be exhibited together in London for the first time at the Courtauld Gallery. Created during his recovery in 1889, these works have remained in Switzerland for over a century. The exhibition runs from February 14 to May 26, marking a significant moment in London’s art landscape.
Two important Van Gogh paintings, created during his recovery at a hospital after the infamous ear incident, are making their debut in London. These works, “The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles” and “The Ward in the Hospital at Arles,” will be featured at the Courtauld Gallery’s upcoming exhibition from February 14 to May 26. Previously held in Switzerland for over a century, they will provide insights into Van Gogh’s state of mind at the time.
Both paintings were painted in April 1889 while Van Gogh was a patient in Arles. Acquired in the 1920s by Swiss collector Oskar Reinhart, they have been displayed in his museum near Zurich. The courtyard painting, notable for its vibrant depiction of spring flowers and possibly featuring a self-portrait of Van Gogh, especially showcases the artist’s skill with composition influenced by Japanese art.
Interestingly, Reinhart outbid the National Gallery in London in 1922 to acquire “The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles”—a turn of events that allowed the gallery to later purchase the more famous “Sunflowers” at a lower price. The upcoming exhibition represents a rare chance to see both paintings after the Reinhart museum temporarily closes for renovations, offering visitors exclusive access to a tumultuous period in Van Gogh’s life.
This exhibition comes at a significant time, as it marks 133 years since the paintings were created while Van Gogh was a patient. The works are not only rare displays of his artistic prowess but also personal reflections of his emotional turmoil during recovery from a mental health crisis. The inclusion of these pieces in London highlights both their art historical significance and their narrative on an artist’s life.
The London exhibition of Van Gogh’s previously unseen paintings offers a unique glimpse into the artist’s recovery and creative process. This rare event invites art lovers to appreciate not only the technical mastery of the works but also the emotional depth and historical context that surrounds them. Their return to public view is a significant highlight for the city’s art scene.
Original Source: thelagosreview.ng