Irises

In early May 1889, Vincent Van Gogh left Arles to voluntarily enter the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy de Provence. Upon his arrival, he was fascinated by the establishment’s garden and painted Iris. Eager to display a certain self-control, and fully assuming his choice, he created a realistic and powerful artwork but devoid of the tension that would mark his later creations. He often stated, “Painting is the lightning rod for my illness.” Largely inspired by the Japanese prints he cherished, this vibrant and energetic artwork is the most eloquent example of the therapeutic and liberating effect he attributed to art!