The three distinct paintings from the collection “Van Gogh’s Bedrooms” will be shown at the Art Institute of Chicago this February. This will be the first time that all three versions of the paintings will be shown in North America.
Van Gogh’s bedroom in his famous “Yellow House” in Arles, France, is, according to the Art Institute of Chicago, “arguably the most famous chambre in the history of art.” Though the home was destroyed in World War II, there is a display recognizing its existence.
In 1888, Van Gogh painted the first version of “Van Gogh’s Bedroom.” Water damage threatened the painting, pushing Van Gogh to paint the second version to preserve the work. He did this at an asylum in Saint-Rémy in 1889, after being admitted for his numerous medical problems. The third and final version was created for his mother and sister. Although the three paintings look almost identical, the detail of the small differences in these works can be seen up close.
The second painting will be permanently added to the Art Institute of Chicago’s collection. The exhibit will show a total of 36 works from Van Gogh’s collection. It will put emphasis on the artist’s inspiration of his home, including the “Van Gogh’s Bedroom” collection of paintings, canvases of cottages, the home as a whole, and birds’ nests. The exhibit will also include paintings, drawings, illustrated letters, and a selection of books known to be owned by Van Gogh, all covering different aspects of his time in Arles.
There will be interactive presentations, as well as a digitally reconstructed version of his bedroom to help viewers see it through his eyes — and symbolically step inside his home. Scientific research will also be presented on the three bedroom paintings. This will give an in-depth look at one of the most misunderstood artists of all time.
Sabrina Karas (’16) has seen Van Gogh’s art not only in Chicago, but in Italy as well. She said she is excited to see the full version of the collection, with all three paintings. Karas shared that Van Gogh has always been one of her favorite artists.
“The emotion and distraught in his life come through with his style and portraits that he created over the course of his life,” Karas said. “When it comes to my own style, I want to try and mimic one that is similar to his since I have always found his style very beautiful.”
“I’ve always been inspired by the way Van Gogh changed as an artist during his short career,” said North Central art professor, Lindsay Shannon. “I look forward to comparing how he approached three works with similar themes, and how he thought about them as an artist through the digital media components in the exhibition.”
The exhibit will be at the Art Institute in Chicago from Feb. 15 to May 10.
