Van Gogh's Sunflowers

A fresh look at Vincent van Gogh's iconic Sunflowers paintings, their context, and what they reveal about the artist and his creative process

Vincent van Gogh's (1853-1890) Sunflowers paintings are among the world's most recognizable works of art. Central to his artistic ambition, these extraordinary still lifes provide insight into Van Gogh's methods of production, artistic values, and exhibition strategies. Building on the 2019 technical study of the Sunflowers paintings undertaken by the Van Gogh Museum and the National Gallery, London, Van Gogh's Sunflowers examines his two Sunflowers painting campaigns, places still life painting at the heart of the electric debates between Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin in the Yellow House in Arles in the summer of 1888, and considers how the artist intended the paintings to be displayed.

Sumptuous images capturing the boldness and detail of the Sunflowers paintings illustrate three essays by leading curators. From Van Gogh's insistence on painting from nature to his identification with the sunflower motif to his preferred display and framing strategies, this publication addresses myriad facets of Van Gogh's artistic practice through the singular lens of his Sunflowers paintings.

Distributed for the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Exhibition Schedule:

Philadelphia Museum of Art
(June 6-October 11, 2026)