In the Footsteps of Van Gogh

Part I

The Irises 1889 Vincent van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh’s paintings of Provence are among the most loved paintings in the world today. At his brother Theo’s urging, and with the promise of a monthly stipend, Vincent moved to sunny Arles in 1888 to escape damp and dreary Paris. He became so inspired by the light and scenery of Provence that he immediately set to work, and over the next 14 months created over 300 drawings and paintings. Unfortunately, during this frenetic and productive period, his mental state declined precipitously, forcing a break-up between him and his house-mate, Paul Gauguin. After Vincent cut off part of his own ear and gave it to a prostitute, the citizens of Arles made him leave town. He fled to the St. Paul de Mausole Asylum in nearby St. Rémy, where he would spend the last year of his life, painting constantly. There he created perhaps his most famous masterpieces, Starry Night and Irises, among others. We often wondered if these Pr…