The 10 most famous paintings by Vincent Van Gogh
Vincent Van Gogh, the undisputed master of Post-Impressionism, left behind an extraordinary artistic legacy. Although he did not achieve commercial success during his lifetime, he is now one of the most influential and beloved artists in the world. With his expressive brushstrokes and vibrant colors, Van Gogh created works that continue to move generations of art lovers. Here’s a look at the 10 most famous paintings by this visionary artist.
1. The Starry Night (1889)
The Starry Night (1889), Vincent Van Gogh
"Starry Night" is arguably Van Gogh's most iconic work. Painted during his stay in the psychiatric hospital of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, this painting depicts a nighttime view of the village with a swirling sky and twinkling stars. The intense colors and movement in the sky capture Van Gogh's emotional power. Exhibited at MoMA in New York, this work continues to fascinate with its beauty and mystery.
2. Sunflowers (1887-1889)
Sunflowers (1887-1889), Vincent Van Gogh
Van Gogh painted several versions of "Sunflowers" to decorate the Yellow House, where he hoped to host other artists, including Paul Gauguin. The sunflowers, symbols of life and light, are depicted in vibrant shades of yellow and orange. These still lifes evoke both the artist's warmth and emotional intensity. Several versions of "Sunflowers" are exhibited in prestigious museums, including the National Gallery in London and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
3. The Bedroom (1888)
The Bedroom(1888), Vincent Van Gogh
"The Bedroom" is another famous work by Van Gogh, depicting his room in the Yellow House in Arles. With bright colors and simplified lines, this painting evokes the tranquility and simplicity of the artist's daily life. However, the distorted perspective and intense tones also reveal Van Gogh's emotional instability. This work is now housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
4. Wheatfield with Crows (1890)
Wheatfield with Crows (1890), Vincent Van Gogh
Painted shortly before Van Gogh's death, "Wheatfield with Crows" is often interpreted as a reflection of his troubled state of mind. The stormy sky, flying crows and swaying wheat fields convey an atmosphere of chaos and despair. It is one of Van Gogh's last works, a poignant testimony to his inner struggles. The painting is housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
5. Irises (1889)
Irises (1889), Van Gogh
"Irises" is a delicate and luminous work painted during Van Gogh's stay in the psychiatric hospital of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The artist found solace in observing and painting scenes from nature. With its fluid brushstrokes and vibrant colors, this painting is a true celebration of natural beauty. "Irises" is housed at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles.
6. Self-portrait with bandaged ear (1889)
Self-portrait with Bandaged Ear (1889), Vincent Van Gogh
"Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear" is one of Van Gogh's most famous self-portraits. Painted after the incident where he cut off part of his ear, this painting shows a physically and emotionally wounded Van Gogh. Despite his calm expression, the work reflects the artist's suffering and fragility at this difficult time in his life. This painting is housed in the Courtauld Gallery in London.
7. Starry Night over the Rhone (1888)
Starry Night Over the Rhone (1888), Vincent Van Gogh
Although less well-known than "Starry Night," "Starry Night Over the Rhone" is another beautiful depiction of the night sky, painted from the banks of the Rhone River in Arles. The reflections of the city lights in the water create an atmosphere of calm and serenity. Van Gogh captured the simple, calming beauty of a starry night, blending sky and landscape with remarkable fluidity and grace. This work is on display at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.
8. The Sower (1888)
The Sower (1888), Vincent Van Gogh
"The Sower" is another key work from the Arles period, depicting a peasant sowing seeds in a field under a golden sunset. This painting highlights Van Gogh's fascination with nature and working the land. Inspired by Jean-François Millet, Van Gogh created a powerful work here about the connection between man and the earth. "The Sower" is housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
9. The Red Vineyard (1888)
The Red Vineyard (1888), Vincent Van Gogh
"The Red Vineyard" is often considered one of the few paintings Van Gogh sold during his lifetime. Depicting grape pickers working in a field bathed in red and gold light, the work is a celebration of nature and manual labor. "The Red Vineyard" illustrates both the beauty and the harshness of peasant life. The work is housed in the Pushkin Museum in Moscow.
10. Portrait of Doctor Gachet (1890)
Portrait of Doctor Gachet (1890), Vincent Van Gogh
Painted shortly before his death, "Portrait of Doctor Gachet" is one of Van Gogh's most poignant portraits. Doctor Gachet, who treated Van Gogh in the last months of his life, is depicted sitting in a melancholy mood with his hand resting on his face. This portrait is a testament to the depth of emotion that Van Gogh could capture in his portraits. One version of this painting sold for a record price at auction in 1990.
Conclusion
Vincent Van Gogh has left his mark on art history with his vibrant and moving works. Each of his paintings is a testament to his unique view of the world, filled with passion and intensity. Although his success was limited during his lifetime, his art continues to inspire and move millions of people around the world.
Discover our collection of posters inspired by Vincent Van Gogh
If you are fascinated by Van Gogh's work, explore our collection of posters inspired by his iconic paintings . Each of our reproductions is carefully designed to capture the essence of Van Gogh's masterpieces, bringing the beauty and depth of his art directly into your home.
