Vincent Van Gogh, "The Bedroom"


      This week we return to Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890).   Here we are inside the little yellow house he rented in Arles, France.   Back in 2020 I reviewed the painting of the exterior and now let us take a good look inside.  Van Gogh painted this room several times, this one the 1889 version.   Many experts have written about him and this painting, but I like to think of why he painted it.

    It is typical for a painter to run out of ideas, "nothing to paint today".  And Van Gogh was dedicated, working everyday as most artists are compelled to do.  I think it fun to think the the first time he tried this subject, maybe, it was a very cool day, or maybe it was raining, to miserable to paint outdoors?  Maybe he was tired of portraits, and just felt like wanting a day by himself?   We don't know those things, but,  in creating this composition he gives us his personal space, and learn about him from what is in it.   

    I have read that the room was at an angle, because of the way the building was constructed, meaning the left side (our view) is shorter than the right.  So the right side moves away from us and this is the deeper space.  It appears that this is a very small room.  Notice the bed juts out slightly obstructing the door on our right side and the hanging space behind the bed shows the bed is not pushed up against the far wall.   Hanging here we see his painter's hat often seen in his self portraits.   

   Please understand how difficult I think it was to create this composition and get it all in perspective.  Perspective is never easy, but clearly visible examining a large outdoor horizon.  But here, we couldn't be more crammed, a very tight space.   And, Van Gogh has done it perfectly, everything makes sense, even the open shutters on the window which point out at us.  

    I am of the opinion that artists don't make things up.  They paint what they see and make adjustments to fit the goal for the work.  My guess is that this room really was blue, the floor was wood and at one time was painted, now peeling off, exposing a more natural color.   I think he painted his room exactly as he saw it, providing a peek into his personal life.

    There is lots more to write about all the objects in the room, but I prefer to have you simply examine on your own.  Do notice how everything is attached or touching a wall.  The blue wall connects and provides harmony, with nothing floating free.  

   "The Bedroom" is an oil on canvas painted in 1889.  This version is the second in the series of three and is part of the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.   

Make Art a part of your life, it's a beautiful thing to do. 

   

Comments

  1. Char HarguthDecember 21, 2021 at 6:12 PM

    I always enjoy looking at his bedroom paintings, but not without thinking of the sadness of his mental condition. The room contains the fundamentals of his life and favorite people, but because it's so small it also feels confining and isolating. Maybe it gave him a feeling of safety and comfort. Yes, the perspective of everything is so true. I always wonder what a happier Van Gogh might have produced. His works are truly a gift. I always like your descriptions!

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