Lilies - Vincent van Gogh

Irises, by Vincent van Gogh, is an emblematic work of Late Impressionism a movement that prioritized subjective expression and sensation over objective accuracy.
Van Gogh painted it in 1890, during his stay at the asylum in Saint-Rémy de Provence, France, where he sought refuge due to his health problems. In his isolation, he turned to nature for solace, and this painting is a reflection of that intimate connection. These flowers, often associated with resurrection and rebirth in Christian symbolism, are interpreted as a metaphor for his desire for recovery.

Through his vibrant and bold color palette and expressive and swift brushstrokes, Van Gogh captures not only the appearance of the irises but also his own emotional and spiritual experience within them.

From a pictorial perspective, it also stands out for the intense and emotive application of color and its remarkable handling of space.
In contrast to detailed realism, Van Gogh opts for abstraction and stylistic distortion, which is evident in the exaggerated outlines and simplified anatomy of the drawings.

The painting exploits the contrast of complementary colors, the white irises against the blue ones, to accentuate the presence of the flowers and deepen the visual impact. Additionally, the bouquets can be appreciated in the foreground, creating a sense of proximity with the viewer.

The artwork thus encapsulates Van Gogh's emotional fervor and visionary intensity, transcending mere pictorial representation to become a powerful testament to his inner experience.