Two previously unseen Van Gogh paintings will be exhibited at the Courtauld Gallery from 14 February to 26 May 2024. The works, “The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles” and “The Ward in the Hospital at Arles,” were created during a tumultuous time in Van Gogh’s life. They highlight both the beauty of his surroundings and his struggles with mental health.
Two Van Gogh paintings that have never before been displayed in London will be featured at the Courtauld Gallery from 14 February to 26 May 2024. These pieces, created during a time of personal turmoil for the artist, were acquired by Swiss collector Oskar Reinhart and have only recently become available for loan. The exhibition, entitled “Goya to Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Oskar Reinhart Collection,” showcases these significant works alongside others from Reinhart’s collection.
The two featured Van Goghs, “The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles” and “The Ward in the Hospital at Arles,” were completed while Van Gogh was a patient in the Arles hospital in 1889. His experience was marked by emotional distress following the infamous ear incident and the departure of fellow artist Paul Gauguin. Despite this, the paintings exhibit a careful composition, reflecting both beauty and the artist’s inner turmoil during his stay.
“The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles” captures an idyllic scene of the hospital’s garden, rich with flowers and greenery. Van Gogh’s detailed descriptions in letters to his sister highlight the vibrant life within and around the hospital, although the presence of dark tree trunks suggests a more somber undertone.
In contrast, “The Ward in the Hospital at Arles” depicts a sterile and claustrophobic men’s ward, showcasing Van Gogh’s struggle to capture the environment and its patients. The painting features muted colours and understated figures, inviting contemplation on the solitude and challenge of his mental state during that period.
The Courtauld Gallery will also house these two works as the Reinhart Museum prepares for renovations until 2026. Their addition to the exhibit represents an important moment in Van Gogh’s legacy, demonstrating the lasting impact of his time in the hospital setting.
Vincent van Gogh, a pivotal figure in post-Impressionism, created two notable paintings during his brief stay at the hospital in Arles. This period was significant for him both artistically and personally, reflecting his emotional struggles and the transformations in his art. The paintings in focus, “The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles” and “The Ward in the Hospital at Arles,” depict contrasting atmospheres of beauty and confinement, representing the duality of his experience. Reinhart’s collection has only recently become available for public exhibitions, allowing London to witness these masterpieces for the first time.
The exhibition at the Courtauld Gallery, featuring Van Gogh’s “The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles” and “The Ward in the Hospital at Arles,” encapsulates a significant chapter in the artist’s life, illustrating his resilience and artistic depth during personal crisis. With these two works, visitors gain insight into Van Gogh’s complex emotional landscape, captured through his distinctive style even in the face of adversity.
Original Source: theartnewspaper.com