Great news for art enthusiasts, especially fans of Van Gogh. Two of Vincent van Gogh’s hospital paintings will be displayed at London’s Courtauld Gallery for the first time. Specifically, this historic moment brings “The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles” and “The Ward in the Hospital at Arles” together in a rare showcase.
About the Van Gogh Hospital Paintings
We can trace the roots of these works during Van Gogh’s 1888 stay at the Arles hospital in the south of France. Following a mental health crisis and after mutilating his own ear, it was there where he sought refuge and care. Despite his unrest, Van Gogh turned his surroundings into art, portraying the hospital’s courtyard and ward in vivid, emotional detail. Moreover, the paintings reflect his resilience and ability to find beauty amidst suffering.
In a letter to his sister Wil, Van Gogh described the painting “The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles.”
“It’s an arcaded gallery like in Arab buildings, whitewashed. In front of these galleries an ancient garden with a pond in the middle and 8 beds of flowers, forget-me-nots, Christmas roses, anemones, buttercups, wallflowers, daisies, etc.” wrote Van Gogh.
He adds, “And beneath the gallery, orange trees and oleanders. So it’s a painting chock-full of flowers and springtime greenery. However, three black, sad tree trunks cross it like snakes, and in the foreground four large sad, dark box bushes.”
Acquiring the Van Gogh Paintings
Both pieces have resided in Switzerland for decades, forming part of the Oskar Reinhart Collection. Reinhart was a Swiss collector who acquired the paintings in the 1920s. However, strict lending restrictions kept these masterpieces away from international audiences for years. Upon Reinhart’s death, a recent agreement allowed their loan to the Courtauld Gallery, making the exhibition possible.
The name of the exhibition is “Goya to Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Oskar Reinhart Collection.” The event runs from February 14 to May 26, offering visitors a chance to view not only Van Gogh’s hospital scenes but also other art treasures.
In particular, art lovers can view works by famous artists like Francisco Goya, Édouard Manet, and Camille Corot. In particular, the exhibition will feature Goya’s “Still Life with Three Salmon Steaks” and Gustave Courbet’s “The Hammock.”
Significance of the Exhibition
The Courtauld exhibition holds immense significance for Van Gogh enthusiasts and art historians alike. By displaying the paintings together, the gallery provides deeper insight into Van Gogh’s creative process and his personal challenges. Furthermore, these works, which art enthusiasts rarely see outside Switzerland, illuminate his genius in capturing light, texture, and emotion.
More importantly, this exhibition highlights Van Gogh’s enduring legacy. Audiences worldwide have admired his ability to transform despair into works of art. In addition, visitors can experience the profound impact of his vision up close.
The Courtauld Gallery is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m, with the last entry at 5:15 p.m. For tickets, visit https://myaccount.courtauld.ac.uk/events.
By Vincent van Gogh – repr from artbook, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9486762
