BEDROOM IN ARLES

Bedroom in Arles by Vincent van Gogh is the title given to each of three similar paintings by 19th-century Dutch Post-Impressionist painter. There are also two letter sketches. Van Gogh`s own title for the paintings was simply, The Bedroom (French: La Chambre à coucher). Van Gogh did the painting in September of 1889. The painting is an oil on canvas.

The painting is a depiction of Van Gogh's bedroom while he was living at 2, Place Lamartine in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France, known as his Yellow House. There are three authentic versions described in Van Gogh`s letters. They are easily discernible from each other by the pictures on the wall to the right. The door to the right in the painting is opening to the upper floor and staircase. The door to the left served the guest room that Vincent had prepared for painter, Paul Gauguin.

When one looks at Bedroom in Arles, we notice the upward slant of the floor and bed. Also, the pictures on the wall tilt. This may be an indication of Van Gogh`s emotional state of mind at the time. Notice how the furniture seems to be blocking the doors, almost as if Vincent needed protection from the outside world. Note the use of bright and strong colours in Bedroom in Arles which shows us the change in Van Gogh`s palette around this time. The window in the front wall was looking to Place Lamartine and its public gardens. This room has not been painted as rectangular, but trapezoid. On the left hand corner of the bedroom it has an obtuse angle. At the right there is an acute angle. Bedroom in Arles was one of Vincent`s own personal favourites. Vincent went to great lengths describing the painting to his brother Theo in his letters.

After Vincent had completed the first painting of the bedroom he then made another for his mother and sister.
First version, October 1888. Oil on canvas, 72 x 90 cm.
Second version, September 1889. Oil on canvas, 72 x 90 cm.
Third version, end September 1889. Oil on canvas, 57.5 x 74.


The Bedroom at Arles, c.1887 Art Print
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Vincent Gogh