Vincent van Gogh in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

A deep dive into an artistically fecund period in Van Gogh’s life spent in a serene commune of Southern France

Vincent van Gogh (1853–90) created some of his most famous works during the time he spent in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence between 1889 and 1890, deriving inspiration from its landscapes, light and culture. This volume reviews Saint-Rémy as it was during Van Gogh’s stay, as well as the artist’s supportive experience at the Saint-Paul hospice, where he could paint freely despite his illness. It contextualizes his famed paintings from the period―such as The Starry Night (1889) and Irises (1889)―and documents the myriad ways in which the town has honored its legendary visitor across time. Structured by six essays, the volume brings together contributors from diverse disciplinary backgrounds―including psychiatry, astrophysics and history―to reflect upon Van Gogh’s time in the town. Each is illustrated by Van Gogh’s paintings and preparatory sketches as well as a plethora of archival materials held by the town.