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Van Gogh’s Trees of Hope
Almond Blossoms, created in 1890 when Van Gogh was recovering at the Saint Paul Asylum in Saint-Remy in the south of France, is one of his best well-known paintings
It was such a tough time for Van Gogh at the asylum but when he received the news that his brother had welcomed a newborn child his mood changed. In the letter, Theo wrote that he had named his child Vincent after his uncle. Theo wished that his child would be as determined and courageous as Van Gogh. This motivated Van Gogh to mark the special occasion with a painting.
Almond Blossoms is full of hope, the tree’s branches curling and laden with flowers against the blue sky. The blue tone of this painting distinguishes it from other canvases. It shows the influence of Japanese art on Van Gogh’s work. It also plays the theme of rebirth, one of his favorite subjects. Trees blooming and flowering announces the beginning of spring and new life. This is what Van Gogh wished for his new nephew.
Unfortunately, Van Gogh relapsed into bad health after painting this artwork. He had hoped to continue to paint trees in bloom and perhaps make a series, but by the time he had recovered enough to pick up a paintbrush, the season had changed.
Van Gogh lamented that spring and summer follow the long, cold winter. Spring sure took its time. It is a season of hope just as Van Gogh is a painter full of hope. He maintained hope whilst getting his medical treatments and explained it through this delightful painting.
Sharing Vincent Van Gogh’s hope here #Artcanhealyoursoul