Sunset at Montmajour

A long-lost masterpiece by Vincent van Gogh, Sunset at Montmajour is a breathtaking landscape that showcases the artist's unique post-impressionist style.

The story behind the painting

Painted on July 4, 1888, Sunset at Montmajour is a landscape oil painting created by Vincent van Gogh while he was living in Arles, France. The painting depicts a serene scene of garrigue, a type of scrubland, with the ruins of Montmajour Abbey in the background. Van Gogh was inspired by the natural beauty of the area, which he described in a letter to his brother Theo as 'romantic' and 'à la Monticelli.' The painting was later added to Theo's collection and eventually sold to a Norwegian industrialist, Christian Nicolai Mustad, who displayed it at his home. For over 100 years, its authenticity was questioned, but in 2013, the Van Gogh Museum confirmed it as a genuine work by the artist.

What to look for

In Sunset at Montmajour, Van Gogh's bold brushstrokes and vivid colors bring the landscape to life. The painting features a range of greens, from light yellow-green to deep blue-green, which dominate the foliage of the trees and bushes. The sky above is a swirl of blue and yellow, with thick, textured clouds that seem to glow in the fading light. In the distance, the ruins of Montmajour Abbey rise above the trees, their dark silhouette a striking contrast to the vibrant colors of the landscape. Look closely to see the thick, impasto texture of the paint, which adds depth and energy to the image.

Meaning and intent

Sunset at Montmajour is more than just a beautiful landscape - it's a reflection of Van Gogh's artistic vision and his emotional state at the time. The painting showcases his unique post-impressionist style, characterized by bold colors and expressive brushwork. The scene itself is imbued with a sense of nostalgia and longing, as if Van Gogh is capturing a moment in time that he wants to preserve forever. The ruins of Montmajour Abbey in the background add a sense of history and melancholy to the painting, underscoring the transience of human existence.

Legacy

Sunset at Montmajour is a significant addition to Van Gogh's oeuvre, and its authentication in 2013 was hailed as a major discovery. The painting is one of the largest and most impressive works by Van Gogh to be confirmed in recent years, and it has shed new light on the artist's time in Arles. Today, it is considered a masterpiece of post-impressionist art, and its beauty and significance continue to inspire art lovers around the world.

Lo sapevi?

Did you know that Sunset at Montmajour was lost for over 100 years and was once believed to be a fake?
The painting was created using the same range of paints that Van Gogh used during his time in Arles.
Sunset at Montmajour is the first full-sized painting by Van Gogh to be newly confirmed since 1928.
The painting was temporarily displayed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam in 2013.

Wikipedia · Wikipedia - Vincent van Gogh · Wikidata