Vincent Van Gogh, (1853-1890) is considered the most eminent post-Impressionist artist for whom colour is the primary sign of expression. The artist’s life was full of new starts, changes of scenery and hope of things getting better. Time and again he would start something new and was convinced that once it worked out everything would be all right. In the early 1890, his brother Theo had a son and Van Gogh was in great spirits. He even accepted the honour to have the child named Vincent after him and became his godfather. After moving to Arles, Van Gogh dreamed of a new beginning and started working on a painting — “Blossoming Almond Tree” — for the baby. He wanted it to be hung above the bed in the parents and child’s room.

“Blossoming Almond Tree” (1890) — oil on canvas, 28.9 inches × 36 inches — like many of Van Gogh’s painting is influenced by Japanese prints as he collected and admired Japanese artist. He used ideas such as bold colours, dark outlines and the beauty of nature acquired from them. It is exhibited at the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. — M.Z.A

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, November 27th, 2016