Oil Paintings Reproductions

About The Artist - Vincent van Gogh (March 30, 1853 - July 29, 1890)

Vincent van Gogh - the father of Expressionism in modern art was definitely one of the most prolific artists of the 20th century's Post-Impressionists era and an undisputable master of art, van Gogh painted some of the most vibrant and haunting paintings ever.

About The Painting - The Irises (Saint Remy)

It was in May of 1889, after a few tragic episodes of self-mutilation and hospitalization that van Gogh finally chose to enter an asylum at Saint Paul-de-Mausole in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France. There in Saint-Remy just before he committed suicide for the "for the good of all," van Gogh painted close to 130 paintings including "the Irises".

He began work on Irises within the first week of his stay at the asylum. This cropped art composition of these beautiful flowers is divided into expansive areas that have vivid color. The epic depiction of the irises overflowing past the borders was influenced by Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints. In those days, Japanese prints were a great source of inspiration for many other artists of that time. Each of the irises is unique, as if van Gogh spent long hours studying the movements and shapes of the flowers to paint a composition of arched silhouettes that are bound together by wavy, curling and twirling lines.

The only similarities between the irises are their strong outlines, the odd angles, the close-up views ad the flattish color that doesn't take into account the direction of the light. Vincent van Gogh considered the irises a study and didn't make any drawings of this painting. But his brother Theo was quick to recognize the quality of the painting and submitted it to the Salon des Indépendants in September 1889. He wrote to Vincent of this exhibition: "[It] strikes the eye from afar. It is a beautiful study full of air and life."

In 1987, the Irises became the most expensive painting ever sold by any artist, and set a record that stood good for 2.5 years. At that time, the Irises was sold for a staggering AUS$ 54,000,000 to Alan Bond, but unfortunately he couldn't pay for it and it had it was re-sold. The Irises, as of 2006, is listed at number seven on the list of the most expensive paintings ever sold!

It wouldn't be wrong to say, that "The Irises" symbolize Vincent van Gogh's the immense capacity to love and feel!