Synopses & Reviews
This is the story of one of the world’s most iconic images. Martin Bailey explains why Van Gogh painted a series of sunflower still lifes in Provence. He then explores the subsequent adventures of the seven pictures, and their influence on modern art. Through the Sunflowers, we gain fresh insights into Van Gogh’s life and his path to fame. Based on original research, the book is packed with discoveries – throwing new light on the legendary artist
Review
"This beautiful large format book contains a wealth of scholarly insights.. as well as numerous reproductions of his work." - Dayton Daily News
Review
"Vincent van Gogh (1853â??90) expert Bailey (lead writer, The Art Newspaper; Letters from Provence) tells the story of the artist's seven iconic sunflower paintings, from their creation through what is known of them today. The first of the book's two parts focuses on the artist's lifetime. Bailey conjectures convincingly about van Gogh's likely inspirations and influences and offers an extended explication of his techniques as well as the works themselves. He revels in details, such as how van Gogh hung one of the paintings, made for fellow artist Paul Gauguin, in the guest room of his yellow house in Arles. The second section focuses on what happened to each of the pieces after van Gogh's death. Bailey includes illustrations of each, including the still life of six sunflowers against a dark-blue background, which was destroyed during World War II. The author recounts how the images were widely ridiculed as those of a madman. In 1987, however, a Japanese insurance company paid over £25 million sterling for one of these pieces. VERDICT Public libraries would do well to purchase this book, as plenty of people love the sunflower paintings and will enjoy reading about their history. A welcome addition to the voluminous literature on van Gogh for scholars and students of postimpressionist art." - Library Journal
Review
"Bailey's scholarship makes fascinating reading as he uncovers new information about the artist as he examines the history of the paintings and traces their fates. This is a regal treasure for those who love van Gogh's art." - Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Synopsis
This is the story of one of the world's most iconic images. Leading British specialist on Van Gogh, Martin Bailey explains how and why Van Gogh painted a series of sunflower still lifes in Provence. He then explores the subsequent adventures of the seven pictures and their impact on artists including Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. Based on original research, the book presents a fresh view of this most legendary artist.
About the Author
Martin Bailey is the main writer for The Art Newspaper and is now the leading UK specialist on Van Gogh. With a background in investigative journalism, Martin Bailey began work on Van Gogh in the late 1980s. He has curated two exhibitions and written extensively on the artist. His book Letters from Provence sold over 60,000 copies in five languages, including German, French, Danish and Spanish.