Vincent Van Gogh The Sunflowers
1. In Vincent Van Gogh’s “The Sunflowers,” the color, texture, and lines were the formal issues that mattered the most. The use of contrasting color theory in the painting was interesting because Van Gogh painted with yellow on a yellow background, completing abandoning the trends of the time. The ability to paint with such a bright yellow color is also notable because it was new for the time period. Throughout the painting, each of the flowers are symmetrical, but maintain their own uniqueness at different stages of the life cycle. This is complemented by the varieties of textures, including some areas with thick layers of paint and some that are so thin that the canvas can be seen. This formal method of perceiving “The Sunflowers” emphasizes
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Economic factors did greatly impact the work. This painting is an example of Van Gogh’s negative thoughts on painting for wealth. Van Gogh much preferred to paint the average person, as also seen in “The Potato Eaters.” Therefore, his choice in topic is evocative of his wider career choices, opting to paint commoners and still lives, instead of cathedrals and commissioned portraits.
4. As outlined in the documentary, gender was not an issue in this painting. Apparently, Van Gogh did not consider gender when choosing the topic or doing the actual artwork. Although gender likely did affect some of the cultural context surrounding “The Sunflowers,” it may not have been a direct influence on its creation.
5. The biography of Vincent van Gogh did help to contextualize the artwork and it significance to him. “The Sunflowers” were created during his friendship with fellow artist Paul Gauguin, whom van Gogh wanted to impress while they were living together in the south of France. The French countryside seen on his journey to their home was also a likely influence on van Gogh’s choice of sunflowers. Gauguin challenged van Gogh to paint with his imagination, although van Gogh much preferred to paint visible objects, such as the vase of sunflowers. Vincent van Gogh’s early life as the son of a minister influenced his perception of sunflowers as an icon of devotion and following Christ. The life of van Gogh adds meaning to his style and theme of “The
Economic factors did greatly impact the work. This painting is an example of Van Gogh’s negative thoughts on painting for wealth. Van Gogh much preferred to paint the average person, as also seen in “The Potato Eaters.” Therefore, his choice in topic is evocative of his wider career choices, opting to paint commoners and still lives, instead of cathedrals and commissioned portraits.
4. As outlined in the documentary, gender was not an issue in this painting. Apparently, Van Gogh did not consider gender when choosing the topic or doing the actual artwork. Although gender likely did affect some of the cultural context surrounding “The Sunflowers,” it may not have been a direct influence on its creation.
5. The biography of Vincent van Gogh did help to contextualize the artwork and it significance to him. “The Sunflowers” were created during his friendship with fellow artist Paul Gauguin, whom van Gogh wanted to impress while they were living together in the south of France. The French countryside seen on his journey to their home was also a likely influence on van Gogh’s choice of sunflowers. Gauguin challenged van Gogh to paint with his imagination, although van Gogh much preferred to paint visible objects, such as the vase of sunflowers. Vincent van Gogh’s early life as the son of a minister influenced his perception of sunflowers as an icon of devotion and following Christ. The life of van Gogh adds meaning to his style and theme of “The