Still Life: Vase with Five Sunflowers

Painted in Arles in August 1888, this is one of the first versions of Van Gogh's iconic sunflower series, created in preparation for Paul Gauguin's planned visit to the Yellow House. Van Gogh conceived the sunflower paintings as decorations for Gauguin's room, writing excitedly to Theo about using these brilliant yellow blooms to express 'gratitude' and the power of the southern sun. The series became his most celebrated works — symbols of joy, creative intensity, and the artist's unique vision. This version, which burned in World War II, was the only one painted on a wood panel rather than canvas.

The lost painting was known for its blazing, high-keyed yellows in multiple tones — from pale lemon to deep gold — deployed with the thick impasto characteristic of the Arles sunflower series. Flowers at various stages of opening and decay were arranged to create chromatic gradation. The panel support would have given the paint surface a different texture compared to the canvas versions.