The Bedroom

About the painting

Perhaps the most famous Van Gogh painting in Chicago is The Bedroom. This is one of three versions Van Gogh painted of his bedroom in the "Yellow House" in Arles, where he dreamed of establishing an artists' colony. The Art Institute's version, painted in September 1889 during his stay at the asylum in Saint-Rémy (after the original was damaged in a flood), captures the simple, almost monastic quality of his private space. Van Gogh intended this painting to convey a sense of "rest or sleep in general." The strong, almost childlike perspective, with the bed seemingly tilting towards the viewer, creates an immediate and intimate connection. The vibrant colors—the strong yellow of the bed and chairs, the pale lilac walls (originally violet, but faded over time), and the red floor—are applied with thick, visible brushstrokes, giving the room a palpable energy. Notice the two portraits hanging on the wall, which are of his friends, Eugène Boch and Paul-Eugène Milliet. The Bedroom is more than just a depiction of a room; it's a window into Van Gogh's yearning for peace and stability, a poignant reflection of his desire for a tranquil haven amidst his turbulent life.