Sunflowers

Sunflowers (1887), painted during Vincent van Gogh’s Paris period, is one of his earlier explorations of the iconic floral subject that would become a hallmark of his work. Unlike the later Arles series, this version features cut sunflowers laid flat, their bold forms and textures rendered with earthy yellows, deep greens, and warm ochres.

Executed with expressive brushwork and a rich, naturalistic palette, the painting reflects Van Gogh’s growing fascination with color and structure, as well as the influence of Impressionism. In this composition, the sunflowers—symbolic of vitality and transience—become a powerful study in organic form and emotional depth. Sunflowers (1887) marks an important step toward Van Gogh’s mature still-life style.