Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) remains one of the key figures in Western art history, and it is his influence on the still life genre that is explored by this all-star exhibition. With Van Gogh’s work accompanied by still life pieces from the likes of Cézanne, Gaugin, Monet and Renoir, the Dutch Post-Impressionist’s work is placed within the context of the development of European still life painting from the 17th-century Netherlands through to the early 20th century.
This reveals what Van Gogh learned from his predecessors, how this manifested itself in his own work, and how he in turn influenced future generations of artists. Of the 69 works shown here, 25 are by Van Gogh himself.
It is of course Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ paintings that he is best known for (along with his tragic personal life). This exhibition doesn’t disappoint on the floral front, with an area devoted to sunflower paintings from both Van Gogh and those he inspired.
Note: Purchase tickets online and save ¥200. The museum is closed on Mondays (except January 8 2024) and Dec 28-Jan 3.
Text by Darren Gore