Van Gogh ‘Almond Blossom’

Blooming trees were of special significance to Van Gogh. He viewed them as a symbol of hope and revival. So it’s no wonder this motif occurs so often in his works. However, ‘Almond Blossom’ stands out among the rest. In this dreamy, tender painting, the artist tried to capture all the purity and freshness of early spring still touched by the icy breath of winter.

Japanese exotica in French classics

In a letter to his brother, Van Gogh wrote that he was painting ‘Almond Blossom’ with great patience and ‘firmness of touch.’ He called it his best, most skillful work. Indeed, the artist uses a very plain yet accurate and expressive technique with a strong central image as opposed to spontaneity and … of his classic compositions. At the time, Van Gogh took great interest in traditional Japanese graphics. He was captivated by Hiroshige’s ‘Plum Park in Kameido,’ a beautiful portrayal of blossoming plum trees performed in a distinctive ‘ukiyo-e’ manner. We can see how he incorporated it into his own canvases. Flat colors, clear shapes and no shadows make ‘Almond Blossom’ untypically illustrative, almost decorative, but undoubtedly remarkable in its own, minimalistic way.

Curious facts about the painting

• Van Gogh dedicated ‘Almond Blossom’ to his newly born nephew and presented it as a gift to the happy couple. By the way, the boy was named Vincent, just like his genius uncle.
• The painting was created right before one of the artist’s attacks. One day he was fine and full of inspiration and the next, he woke up totally broken. Some see it quite prophetic that he chose to paint a fragile almond branch, so easy to freeze in early bloom.
• That March, Van Gogh came to Arles to find it covered in fruit blossom. For the first time in a long period, plum, peach and apricot orchards put his troubled mind at piece and gave him vigor to work non-stop like never before.  He called it a better cure than ‘anything you can buy at the chemist’s.’

This almond tree can bloom on your wall for ages without ever withering! We offer a supreme oil reproduction of Van Gogh ‘Almond Blossom’ that perfectly repeats the original palette and technique used by the artist. It’s 100% hand-made, with skill, care and personal attitude. Feel the approach of spring in these gentle colors and cautious strokes that will make you believe you are really looking at one of Van Gogh’s works!