Irises Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)
Vincent van Gogh – Irises
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Painter: Vincent van Gogh
Location: The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles.
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This famous painting by the Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh was created by him in 1889. "Irises" was one of the great master’s last works. Van Gogh died a year later. At the time of the painting the painter was already terminally ill. He was constantly under the care of doctors in the clinic for the mentally ill. This clinic was located near the picturesque village of Saint-Remy-de-Provence. Perhaps the illness had such an impact on the creative style of Van Gogh, but the picture turned out to be quite different from anything the artist had written so far.
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Description of Vincent van Gogh’s painting "Irises"
This famous painting by the Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh was created by him in 1889. "Irises" was one of the great master’s last works. Van Gogh died a year later. At the time of the painting the painter was already terminally ill. He was constantly under the care of doctors in the clinic for the mentally ill. This clinic was located near the picturesque village of Saint-Remy-de-Provence.
Perhaps the illness had such an impact on the creative style of Van Gogh, but the picture turned out to be quite different from anything the artist had written so far. This is not the Van Gogh that was known. There’s no tension, anxiety, thick colors and warm olive and mustard tones. On the contrary, there is some lightness, airiness and transparent weightlessness. The painting is reminiscent of Japanese engravings.
In Iris, Van Gogh depicts part of a field covered with flowers. Here we see not only irises, which gave the name of the masterpiece, but other flowers. Of course, irises are central to the composition.
The artist chose an unusual angle for his painting. Flowers fill almost the entire surface of the canvas. It seems that you’re squatting in the middle of the field, in the thickest of the flowers. But the image does not look frozen, static. The composition is built in such a way that one involuntarily looks diagonally upwards and to the left. There is also a peculiar symmetry in "Iris". Thus the patch of earth in the foreground is balanced by the orange and yellow buds in the upper left corner. White iris and pale blue hold the horizon of the painting.
The influence of Japanese painting is noticeable primarily in the drawing of the irises. The same sharpness and subtlety of graceful lines, the same solid color flooding of separate details. But the painting is not completely sustained in this style. You can see the influence of Impressionism here as well. And the most surprising thing is that such a mixture doesn’t disturb the harmony of the image at all. It only adds to Van Gogh’s creation of uniqueness and beguiling charm.
COMMENTS: 2 Ответы
Этот одинокий белый ирис...
Супер! Раньше не увлекалась творчеством Ван Гога, а просмотрев его картины в восторге. Спасибо.
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In Vincent van Goghs painting Irises, the viewer is immersed in a vibrant and dynamic garden teeming with flowers. The dominant feature is a mass of striking blue irises, their petals rendered with bold, textured brushstrokes that give them a tactile quality. These irises are depicted in various stages of bloom, with some fully open and others still budding. Long, sword-like green leaves create a lush backdrop, their forms echoing the verticality of the flowers.
Several white irises stand out amidst the sea of blue, their paler hue drawing the eye and offering a visual contrast. In the background, a patch of yellow flowers, possibly dandelions or marigolds, adds another layer of color and texture, further enhancing the sense of a thriving garden. The ground beneath the irises is a rich, earthy red-brown, painted with thick impasto that suggests the soil and adds depth to the composition.
The painting is characterized by Van Goghs signature style: expressive brushwork, a vivid color palette, and a focus on the natural world. The composition is alive with movement, almost as if the flowers are swaying in a gentle breeze.
Subtexts:
Irises is a painting rich in meaning, often interpreted through the lens of Van Goghs personal struggles and his profound connection with nature.
Hope and Resilience: Painted during Van Goghs voluntary stay at the asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Irises is often seen as an expression of hope and a testament to his enduring spirit. Despite his mental health challenges, he found solace and inspiration in painting the natural world. The irises, with their vigorous growth and vibrant blooms, can symbolize life, beauty, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Individuality and Difference: The presence of the single white iris amidst a predominantly blue field is particularly significant. It can be interpreted as a symbol of individuality, uniqueness, or perhaps even Van Gogh himself, standing out from the crowd or feeling different from those around him. This solitary white bloom draws attention and invites contemplation about belonging and self-acceptance.
The Healing Power of Nature: Van Gogh found immense therapeutic value in painting flowers and gardens. Irises showcases his deep admiration for the beauty and complexity of nature. The act of meticulously observing and rendering these flowers can be seen as a way for him to connect with something pure and eternal, offering a calm and ordered world in contrast to the turmoil he experienced.
Spiritual Contemplation: The intense blues and greens, along with the organic forms, can evoke a sense of spiritual introspection. Van Gogh often spoke of finding God in nature, and the radiant beauty of the irises might have served as a conduit for his spiritual experiences and a quest for inner peace.
In essence, Irises is more than just a botanical study; its a deeply personal and emotionally resonant work that speaks to the enduring power of beauty, the struggle for well-being, and the profound connection between the human spirit and the natural world.