Two historically significant Van Gogh paintings depicting the hospital where the artist recovered after his famous ear-cutting incident will be displayed together in London for the first time, per theartnewspaper.com. The paintings, which have remained in Switzerland for over a century, are set to make their London debut at the Courtauld Gallery’s upcoming exhibition “Goya to Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Oskar Reinhart Collection.”
The two works, “The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles” and “The Ward in the Hospital at Arles,” were both created in April 1889 while Van Gogh was a patient at the facility. These intimate portrayals of the artist’s sanctuary during his recovery were acquired in the 1920s by Swiss collector Oskar Reinhart and have since been housed in his museum near Zurich.
In a fascinating historical revelation, “The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles” nearly became the first Van Gogh to enter London’s National Gallery collection in 1922. However, Reinhart outbid the institution, paying 150,000 francs (£6,000) – more than twice the amount considered by the National Gallery. This twist of fate may have inadvertently led to the gallery’s subsequent acquisition of the now-famous “Sunflowers” at a comparatively modest £1,304.
The paintings offer unique insights into Van Gogh’s state of mind during his recovery. The courtyard piece, in particular, showcases the artist’s masterful composition, featuring three cropped trees inspired by Japanese prints and a vibrant garden filled with forget-me-nots, Christmas roses, and other springtime blooms. A solitary figure wearing a hat, possibly a self-portrait of Van Gogh himself, adds a poignant touch to the scene.
The exhibition, running from February 14 to May 26, represents a rare opportunity for art enthusiasts to view these masterpieces, which have become available due to temporary closure of the Reinhart museum for renovations. Their appearance marks a significant moment in London’s art scene, bringing previously unseen perspectives of Van Gogh’s most turbulent period to a new audience.
- Image: Van Gogh’s The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles (April-May 1889)/Oskar Reinhart Collection “Am Römerholz”, Winterthur
