Van Gogh
Art Institute of Chicago
Not too many people realize that Vincent Van Gogh painted three copies of the bedroom in the Yellow House he rented in Arles, France. For the first time in history, the three paintings are in display in the same place…at the Art Institute of Chicago. Also, they have created a life-sized replica of the bedroom (see photo above). The first version was painted in 1888 while he lived in the “Yellow House.” The second and third versions were painted in 1889, a few weeks apart from each other, while at an asylum in Saint-Rémy There are subtle differences which may not be noticeable if you only look at one of the versions. And, you may note that the Art Institute has projected various artwork on the walls as they would have appeared in the different paintings. (see photo above…again!)
The first painting is part of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the second is at the Art Institute of Chicago, and the third is at Musée d’Orsay in Paris. We’ve been to all three museums and didn’t realize that there were three different paintings!!
I think you’ll find this YouTube video (click hyperlink) worth watching if you have an interest in learning more about the three paintings.
Above is another perspective without the illumination shining on the wall. Interesting to note the dimension and furnishings in the room. Very small!! And, Paul Gauguin had to walk through the bedroom to get to his bedroom in the house!
Notice the dark voyeur in the window!! That probably wouldn’t have happened to Van Gogh in the real bedroom since it was on the second floor.
Here (above) is another interesting twist created by the curators at the Art Institute. I thought it was interesting the way they juxtaposed the table and chairs in front of this other painting by Van Gogh titled, “The Night Cafe,” which is included in this current exhibit.
IF you have a chance to visit this Van Gogh exhibit, I highly recommend it. Lemme know what you think!!
Thanks for visiting!
-Stephen M. Levin
www.stephenmlevinphtos.com
What do you see as the connection(s) between the arts of painting & photography?
My personal feeling is that they are similar/same. That is, one is creating images, using tools, from your Mind’s Eye.
Some of the early pioneer photographers were trained as painters/artists. At the very beginning, some painters used photography as a tool to help them paint!
Henri Cartier-Bresson, one of the most famous of all 20th Century photographers, was one of those who trained as a painter. His early photos look very much like his paintings!! (And then, he reverted back to painting in his later years!)
A mind-expanding mix of photography and painting in one post. Makes you want to look. Then look again. Thanks for the images.
Yes…it was captivating to see the paintings and the model of the room and imagine how it must have really looked. I stood there a relatively long time.
Thanks!!
First, I encourage everyone to go see this most unusual and fascinating exhibit of Van Gogh’s bedrooms. The AIC has added a new level of understanding and interest to the much told story of Van Gogh’s life and art.
Second, the nuance and mood captured by Stephen’s photos enhances what we saw and adds another dimension. It is a “new” way of looking.
Third, this adds another “winner” to the list of many together activities we have experienced. Thanks Stephen for being my travel buddy.
I agree with your sentiments, of course!
And glad you like what I tried to capture….
Thanks, Judy!
Heh. We visited the actual room in 2001.
THAT is very cool! I didn’t know it was open for viewing…
Thanks for sharing the pictures from the exhibit and your perspective of the pictures. I’m looking forward to seeing the exhibit.
I have a feeling you’re really going to enjoy it! Please let us know.
Can’t wait to see the exhibit. I have always loved Van Gogh and never realized there were three paintings of the bedroom.
Yes, Debbie…Judy and I didn’t realize there were three until this exhibit came to the Art Institute.
They do a good job analyzing and pointing out the differences, including the variations between brush strokes and techniques that were used.
Enjoy.
thanks for the interesting information! i visited arles in 19776 when i did the grape picking in south of france… sat in cafe and walked by asylum.
Wow! I’ll bet that was a very cool experience!