À propos de l’œuvre
Oleanders, par Vincent van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh · August 1888 · Arles, France
OleandersReproduction of oil painting on canvas
The pink flowers overflow with a pitcher in majolica while a yellow book rests on the table. Van Gogh combines the vegetal vigor of oleanders with the title of Émile Zola's novel, The Joy of Living.
Look at the work
A bouquet designed as an affirmation of life
The branches spread widely on either side of the vase. The long, dark leaves form diagonals that contrast with the round corollas, painted pink, white and red. The decorated pitcher stabilizes the bouquet in the center of the composition.
On the table, Van Gogh places a copy of La Joie de vivre by Émile Zola. The Met explains that the artist considered oleanders to be joyful and invigorating flowers, capable of constantly producing new shoots. THE book makes this idea explicit without transforming the scene into a scholarly allegory.
The strength of the painting arises from the dialogue between plant growth, complementary color and literary reference.
Composition, touch and color
Three observations specific to this painting
The horizontal format is based on the breadth of the bouquet, the pink-green contrast and the clear presence of the book in the foreground.
A lateral movement
The pointed leaves lead the eye towards the edges of the canvas. Their movement prevents the bouquet from closing around the vase.
Pink versus green
The warm petals vibrate against the green foliage and the olive green background. More concentrated whites and reds give relief to the clusters of flowers.
The Yellow Book
Placed at the bottom left, La Joie de vivre balances the weight of the vase and introduces a yellow surface which restarts the light from the table.
Documented benchmarks
Precisely identify the original work
The Met notice dates the painting to August 1888, during Van Gogh's first summer in Arles.
Invigorating flowers
Van Gogh admires the generous flowering and continual new shoots of oleanders, which he associates with positive energy.
The joy of living
Émile Zola's novel, clearly identifiable on the table, reinforces the meaning of the bouquet and recalls the importance of reading for the artist.
Inventory 62.24
The work is kept at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which makes its official image available in high definition.
Your reproduction
What the painter must preserve
The painter must restore abundance without losing structure: each floral mass has its shape, while the leaves retain their direction and density.
- Variations of pink, white and red in floral clusters
- The long green leaves and their dark contours
- The blue and brown decoration of the pitcher in majolica
- The title and shape of the yellow book without stiffening the key
Work sheet
| Title | Oleanders |
|---|---|
| Artist | Vincent van Gogh (1853 -1890) |
| Date | August 1888 |
| Place of creation | Arles, France |
| Original technique | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 60.3 × 73.7 cm |
| Inventory | 62.24 |
| Conservation | The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York |
| Your reproduction | Handmade oil painting on canvas |
From order to shipping
In your interior
A lively still life for a bright space
The horizontal bouquet is particularly suitable above a console, sideboard or sofa. Roses provide warmth, while greens allow a natural combination with light wood, weathered brass or unbleached textiles.
Frequently asked questions
Before ordering
Is this a canvas print?
No. Each reproduction is manually painted in oil on canvas. Brushstrokes and material variations belong to the final result.
How is the visual reference chosen?
This sheet uses an official public domain image provided by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, converted to high definition WebP without artificial enlargement.
Can I check the result before shipping?
Yes. Photographs of the finished painting are sent to you; you can request alterations before validating the shipment.
Are custom formats possible?
Yes. The format can be adapted to your wall while maintaining the proportions and balance of the original composition.
