American Art

Vincent van Gogh: A Dutch Master in America

Detroit Institute of Arts Acquisition and Legacy

In 1922, the Detroit Institute of Arts made history as the first public museum in the United States to acquire a painting by Vincent van Gogh. The acquisition, a self-portrait, cost the museum $4,200 and marked a significant milestone in the institution’s collection.

“Van Gogh in America” Exhibition

This fall, the Detroit Institute of Arts will present a groundbreaking exhibition titled “Van Gogh in America.” This major showcase will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the museum’s historic purchase and will be the largest U.S. exhibition of van Gogh’s work in over two decades.

Van Gogh’s Artistic Style and Impact

Born in 1853, Vincent van Gogh is widely recognized as one of the most influential Post-Impressionist painters. His unique style, characterized by bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors, allowed him to express his emotions and inner turmoil on canvas. Despite his limited commercial success during his lifetime, van Gogh’s work has posthumously gained immense popularity and critical acclaim.

Key Paintings in the Exhibition

The “Van Gogh in America” exhibition will feature approximately 70 original van Gogh paintings, drawings, and prints from around the world. Among the highlights is the iconic “Starry Night Over the Rhone,” on loan from the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. This breathtaking work depicts an illuminated sky reflecting over the Rhone River and was last displayed in the U.S. in 2011.

Another notable painting in the exhibition is “Van Gogh’s Chair,” which was part of the artist’s first U.S. show in 1920. After failing to sell in New York, the painting was purchased by London’s National Gallery in 1924.

Van Gogh’s Rise to Fame in America

The exhibition will delve into the key events that shaped van Gogh’s introduction and subsequent rise to fame in America. One pivotal moment was the 1934 publication of Irving Stone’s biographical novel “Lust for Life,” which chronicled van Gogh’s life and struggles. The novel’s subsequent film adaptation in 1956 further popularized van Gogh’s story and art.

Van Gogh’s Influence on American Artists

Beyond his own work, van Gogh’s influence on American artists will be explored in the exhibition. Post-Impressionists such as Paul Cézanne and Paul Gauguin, as well as 20th-century artists like Raoul Dufy, Henri Matisse, and Joseph Stella, were all inspired by van Gogh’s unique style and vision.

Exhibition Details

“Van Gogh in America” will be on view at the Detroit Institute of Arts from October 2, 2022, to January 22, 2023. This once-in-a-lifetime exhibition promises to provide an immersive and comprehensive look at van Gogh’s impact on the American art scene.

Additional Information

The exhibition will also include works by van Gogh’s contemporaries, shedding light on the broader Post-Impressionist movement. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore van Gogh’s artistic journey, his struggles and triumphs, and his lasting legacy in the world of art.