What: Display
Where: The National Gallery, London
When: 25 January - 27 April 2014
'Compare and contrast' is the mantra of old-school art history, and the opportunity currently on offer to compare and contrast two of the five versions of Van Gogh's iconic Sunflowers paintings is too great to miss. Much can be learnt from an investigation into the artistic context in which Van Gogh produced these works, and the recent material analysis into the paintings sheds further light on their production. However, old-school art history would also implore its followers to learn through looking. On visiting this display, fully expectant of having to crane my neck amongst the crowds for a close-up view of the paintings, I was struck by the gravitation of my fellow viewers to the wall texts on either side of the room, and the gulf of space that existed in front of the two Sunflowers. For those yet to visit, I would recommend a preliminary perusal through the excellent web resource below (perhaps even during the queue time). Then, spend the majority of the gallery time actually looking at the works. You will be rewarded.
Find out more:
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/the-sunflowers
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/learn-about-art/paintings-in-depth/the-sunflowers-feature/*/viewPage/1
