Artwork
Two Poplars in the Alpilles near Saint-Rémy
Two Poplars in the Alpilles near Saint-Rémy is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh. It is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts two poplar trees standing in the Alpilles hills near Saint‑Rémy‑de‑Provence, as indicated by its title and the Wikidata note that it shows a Populus tree made in that location. The vertical trunks and foliage form the central iconography, emphasizing the characteristic Provençal landscape that Van Gogh encountered during his stay at the Saint‑Rémy asylum. By focusing on these trees, the work conveys the artist’s direct engagement with the surrounding countryside and his interest in capturing the enduring presence of nature in the region.
Technique & Style
Two Poplars in the Alpilles near Saint-Rémy is an oil painting executed on canvas by Vincent van Gogh in 1889 while he was in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
Two Poplars in the Alpilles near Saint-Rémy is an oil painting executed on canvas by Vincent van Gogh in 1889 while he was in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The work measures 61.6 cm in height and 45.7 cm in width. As a landscape painting, it depicts poplar trees and reflects the artist's characteristic handling of oil paint, though specific brushwork details are not elaborated in the available records.
The painting remains in good condition as part of the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, having passed through several notable owners including Alfred Flechtheim and Johanna van Gogh-Bonger before entering the museum's holdings in 1958.
History & Provenance
Vincent van Gogh created the oil painting Two Poplars in the Alpilles near Saint-Rémy in October 1889 while residing in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The work was initially owned by the artist's sister-in-law, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, who later transferred it to Willem Steenhoff. The ownership chain subsequently included Leonard C. Hanna, Jr., followed by dealers Alfred Flechtheim, Harry G. Sperling, and Sam Salz.
The painting eventually entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is currently held under accession number 1958.32. The medium consists of oil paint applied to canvas, measuring 61.6 cm in height and 45.7 cm in width.
Overview
Vincent van Gogh's oil painting, Two Poplars in the Alpilles near Saint-Rémy, captures a natural scene with characteristic intensity. This work, held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art, exemplifies the artist's distinctive approach to landscape. It features a pair of prominent trees, rendered with a vibrant palette and expressive brushwork, reflecting his deep engagement with the natural world.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Vincent Willem van Gogh was a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter who is among the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art.
