The National Gallery’s latest exhibition, Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers, offers an intense exploration of Vincent van Gogh’s vision, capturing the artist’s frantic perception of both his inner world and the external environment. The centerpiece of the exhibit is Van Gogh’s iconic painting, The Yellow House (The Street), an arresting portrayal of his former residence in Arles, painted in 1888.
The artwork vividly reflects the searing brightness of the midday sun through its vibrant yellow palette, accentuated by emerald shutters and deep black windowpanes. The intense yellow hues, ranging from egg-yolk to topaz, dominate the composition, enveloping the street, the surrounding foliage, and even the lampposts. The painting’s electric energy creates a dazzling, yet overwhelming visual experience, conveying both the artist’s emotional intensity and his unique interpretation of reality.
Van Gogh’s imaginative vision is evident in his depiction of the Yellow House, a stark contrast to its mundane reality. Born in the Netherlands in 1853, Van Gogh relocated to Arles from Paris in February 1888, seeking a fresh start after unsuccessful careers as an art dealer and preacher. Supported financially by his brother Theo, Van Gogh initially used the Yellow House as a studio before moving in as a resident in September of that year.
However, his time in Arles was marked by personal turmoil. The strained relationship with fellow artist Paul Gauguin and ongoing psychological distress culminated in Van Gogh’s infamous act of self-mutilation. By Christmas 1888, his mental health had deteriorated significantly, leading to his hospitalization. In May 1889, Van Gogh voluntarily entered an asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where he remained for over a year. He returned to northern France before his tragic death by suicide in July 1890.
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