Focus on this artwork and explore the Paintings made in Arles.
Van Gogh came to Arles in southern France when he was about 35 years of age. There he began producing some of his best work.   The sunflower paintings, some of the most recognizable of Van Gogh's paintings, were created in this time.  This is likely one of Van Gogh's happier periods of life.  He is confident, clear-minded and seemingly content.  In a letter to his brother, Theo, he wrote, "Painting as it is now, promises to become more subtle - more like music and less like sculpture - and above all, it promises color." As a means of explanation, Van Gogh explains that being like music means being comforting.
southern France Theo Arles sunflower paintings