This is one of my all-time favourite Van Gogh paintings. Do you know the story behind it? Well, on January 31, 1890, Theo (Vincent’s brother) wrote to Vincent to tell him about the birth of his son whom they named Vincent Willem. In response to this wonderful news, Vincent, who was very close to his brother, got out his paint brushes and painted these blossoming branches – his favourite subject to paint. He sent it to his brother and sister-in-law, and they put it in pride of place above the piano.
On January 31, 2009, I finally bought myself the Dutch museum pass so that I can visit this painting anytime I want for the whole year to come. It is one of the best birthday presents I’ve bought myself to date.
xx
PS There is a fabulous exhibition starting at the Van Gogh museum this Friday February 13 to June 7, in collaboration with the MoMA in New York. It’s called Van Gogh and the colours of the night. It will be the first exhibition to be devoted to Van Gogh’s representations of the evening and night. I can’t wait to check it out!
PPS And yes of course I am also excited to visit all the museums with my new pass! And I promise to report back here after each exploration.
Van Gogh is also a favorite of mine. I saw his paintings in the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam and in the National Gallery in London. His paintings are amazing when you see them in real.
Le Cafe, le soir 1888 is my favorite painting.
Enjoy your wonderful birthday present (I envy you!) 🙂
February 11th, 2009 | #
I love Van Gogh as well. I spent a wonderful, rainy Saturday at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. I’m jealous you can now go anytime! 🙂
February 12th, 2009 | #
It’s my favorite too! Years ago I got a box of postcards of someone, all the other ones I had no problems sending them to friends and family. But this one…I kept it for myself.
February 12th, 2009 | #
Hi, Pia, your post struck me today. I guess it was the thought of Van Gogh’s sensitivity. Someone who was so hurt by the world around him could also be so touched by it. Touched to the point of painting the ultimate hope — branches with blooms that turn to fruit. So much hope in that painting. It reminds me to never underestimate people — even those who seem lonely and depressed — because something deep and wonderful can be stirring inside.
I love your birthday present to yourself. It’s perfect, really.
February 12th, 2009 | #
i have never seen this painting..thak you.
and happy b-day!!!!!
and i am so into buying b-day gifts for myself…luckily we figure that out when we are older…;)
February 12th, 2009 | #
oh nancy, i hope you get to see it one day – it is so much more beautiful in person. The blue sky is so vibrant and the almond blossoms seem to glow. I adore it.
diana – a beautiful comment, thank you so much. You are so so right.
Miranda – that’s so cool!! We have lots in common I think!
Beth – beautiful memory, I love to hear about these moments. Thank you.
May – I agree that one is beautiful too. I am looking forward to the ‘evening and night’ exhibition that starts tomorrow.
February 12th, 2009 | #
I love this one and the simple little one of almond blossom in a vase.
February 12th, 2009 | #
I had this painting (or the print, obviously) on my wall as I was growing up. It is truly beautiful and one of my favorites because it doesn’t feel crazy. I always used to imagine that in creating it, Van Gogh had a momentary respite from his demons. It was nice to think that, at least, while suffering teenage angst.
February 17th, 2009 | #
I visited the Van Gogh museum for the first time last summer and was so overwhelmed by his work. I loved seeing his early works and learning about his journey through art. I was touched by his closeness to his brother. And yes, this was one of my favourite paintings of his as well. Isn’t amazing that we can stand in front of these wonderful works?
Happy belated birthday to you! I think you have bought yourself the perfect present. Cheers from England 🙂
February 17th, 2009 | #