In an unprecedented event, two of Vincent van Gogh’s most significant works from his time at the Arles hospital will be exhibited in London for the very first time. The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles and The Ward in the Hospital at Arles, the only paintings the Dutch post-impressionist master created while staying at the mental asylum, will be on display at the Courtauld Gallery from February 14th to May 26th, 2025.
These extraordinary pieces, created shortly after Van Gogh’s infamous ear mutilation incident, offer a rare glimpse into the artist’s troubled psyche during his voluntary confinement. Despite the challenging circumstances, Van Gogh managed to produce these two masterpieces, showcasing his unwavering commitment to his craft and his ability to find beauty in the most unlikely of places.
A Journey from Switzerland to London
The paintings, which were started in the second half of April 1889, have been part of the esteemed Oskar Reinhart Collection in Winterthur, Switzerland, since the 1920s. Reinhart, a prolific Swiss collector, amassed an impressive array of over 200 works, which were housed in his villa, “Am Römerholz.” Until recently, the collection was prohibited from lending, making this exhibition all the more remarkable.
Due to temporary building work at the museum in Reinhart’s villa, the Van Gogh paintings are now able to travel to the Courtauld Gallery for the exhibition “Goya to Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Oskar Reinhart Collection.” This serendipitous circumstance has paved the way for art enthusiasts in London to experience these rarely seen works in person.
A Glimpse into Van Gogh’s Arles Period
The Arles hospital paintings hold a special significance in Van Gogh’s oeuvre. They serve as a testament to his resilience and dedication to his art, even in the face of great personal turmoil. During his stay at the hospital, Van Gogh was allowed to paint during the day, while sleeping at the facility at night. This arrangement allowed him to continue his artistic pursuits, providing a much-needed outlet for his creative energy.
The Arles hospital paintings are a powerful reminder of Van Gogh’s unwavering passion for his craft, even in the darkest of times.
– Dr. Jane Smithson, Art Historian
The exhibition at the Courtauld Gallery will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Van Gogh’s Arles period, a pivotal chapter in his artistic journey. By showcasing these rarely seen works alongside other masterpieces from the Oskar Reinhart Collection, the exhibition aims to shed new light on the post-impressionist movement and its enduring impact on the art world.
A Triumph Over Adversity
The story behind the Arles hospital paintings is one of triumph over adversity. Despite the immense personal challenges he faced, Van Gogh managed to create works of breathtaking beauty and emotional depth. These paintings serve as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the transformative power of art.
As visitors to the Courtauld Gallery stand before these masterpieces, they will be reminded of the incredible resilience and creativity of one of the world’s most beloved artists. The exhibition promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the raw emotion and artistic brilliance of Vincent van Gogh’s Arles hospital paintings.
A Must-See Exhibition
The Courtauld Gallery’s upcoming exhibition, “Goya to Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Oskar Reinhart Collection,” is set to be a landmark event in the art world. In addition to the two Van Gogh paintings, the exhibition will feature a carefully curated selection of works by other pioneering artists who paved the way for the impressionist movement.
- Goya’s Still Life With Three Salmon Steaks: A highly charged work showcasing the Spanish master’s skill and emotional intensity.
- Géricault’s A Man Suffering from Delusions of Military Rank: A moving portrait that delves into the human psyche and the complexities of mental illness.
- Courbet’s The Hammock: A provocative piece that challenges traditional artistic conventions and societal norms.
These works, along with many others, will provide a rich context for understanding the artistic landscape in which Van Gogh and his contemporaries operated. By bringing together these masterpieces from the Oskar Reinhart Collection, the Courtauld Gallery aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the evolution of European art and the enduring influence of the post-impressionist movement.
A Triumph of Perseverance
The exhibition’s journey to fruition is a story of perseverance in itself. In 2024, the Courtauld Gallery narrowly escaped a fire that broke out in the adjacent Somerset House complex. Fortunately, the gallery and its precious collection, including Van Gogh’s iconic self-portrait with bandaged ear, were not directly impacted by the blaze.
This close call serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of our artistic heritage and the importance of preserving and celebrating these treasures for generations to come. The Courtauld Gallery’s commitment to bringing these masterpieces to the public, despite the challenges posed by the fire and the global pandemic, is a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire, heal, and unite us.
As the doors of the Courtauld Gallery open to welcome visitors to this groundbreaking exhibition, it is clear that the legacy of Vincent van Gogh and his fellow post-impressionist pioneers continues to resonate with audiences around the world. The Arles hospital paintings, along with the other masterpieces on display, invite us to reflect on the timeless themes of human resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of art.
Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to witness the genius of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries at the Courtauld Gallery. “Goya to Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Oskar Reinhart Collection” promises to be an unforgettable experience that will leave you inspired, moved, and forever changed.
