“Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers” will open in 2024 at the National Gallery in London and focus on the artist’s longest period. As announced by The Art Newspaper, the show is scheduled to run from October 2024 to January 2025 and will be the highlight of the museum's 200th anniversary celebrations. The exhibition will cover the work ofVan Goghcarried out in the south of France, in the city of Arles (February 1888 to May 1889) and in the asylum on the outskirts of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (May 1889 to May 1890). In these two places, the most iconic paintings of his career were produced, full of colors and his dynamic brushstroke.
VincentVan Goghhe became one of the most famous artists for the amazing stories of his life but also for beautiful compositions such as “The Starry Night”. They call him a 'mad' artist who cut off his own ear but also an artistic genius. What is certain is that the artist who was born in 1853, in Zundert, Holland, remains in memory for his innovative and unique artistic style of enormous importance to a number of artists who followed him. Its easily identifiable pieces have a distinct style that was not accepted by the public in its own time. His works profoundly influenced 20th century art, due to his extraordinary vision, sense of color and daring technique.
In this exhibition, the thematic duo of poets and lovers will be presented, with a series of paintings and drawings of a public garden in Arles.VincentVan Goghhe came to regard some of his fellow artists as “poets”, using the word in a broader sense to convey an artistic temperament.Van Goghtitled a portrait of the Belgian painter Eugène Boch as The Poet (September 1888, now Musée d'Orsay, Paris). He also described Gauguin in a letter as the “new poet”.
And why do lovers appear in the paintings ofVan Gogh? In his landscapes, couples appear as idealized figures. In Public Garden with a Couple Strolling (O Jardim do Poeta) (October 1888, now in a private collection) we see whatVan Goghdescribed as “two figures of lovers”.The curatorship is in the hands of 19th century specialist Chris Riopelle and Cornelia Homburg.A spokesperson for the gallery is flagging it as “the most spectacular” exhibition ofVan Goghof all time. This exhibition is sure to be the highlight of the National Gallery's 200th anniversary celebrations.
