Though I’ve already done a post on the museums in Amsterdam, I believe Vincent Van Gogh deserves his own post as the Van Gogh Museum was utter unbelievable.
I’ve been before but this time, with more understanding and extra exhibitions, it was 3 hours well spent before travelling home. 3 floors of uninterrupted artwork, showing his chronological development and some of my all time favourite paintings. ‘The Bedroom’ was pride of place on the first floor on the reverse of ‘Sunflowers’, both in the centre of the room, where I spent a lot of my time; I went back into that room many times during my visit as I was so mind blowing to be in the room with such work.
One of my favourite rooms was the ground floor exhibition of his collection of portraits. I loved seeing them alongside each other reflecting his mental state at that specific time through acknowledging his own features. His ‘Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear was on a separate floor but still had the same effect on me. As one of my favourites, it was unreal to see it up close. I’ve always loved the colours in it, they’re really muted and soft compared to some of his other pieces, and I also love the use of his bedroom as the background. Near all of his portraits (both self and of others) have a solid colours background to compliment the features, but this image is instead, so natural and relaxed within his surroundings that I always feel more comfortable and associated with it.
I enjoyed the alternative exhibitions too, like ‘Van Gogh’s Dream’ which was a very accessible understanding of key areas in his life alongside interactive features, changing lights and mirrored walls. It was a beautiful tribute to his mentality and livelihood.
I can’t wait to visit again to be honest, it’s a place I will always enjoy, and as far as I can see they keep it recent and up to date as it had a few changes within a year and I am looking forwards to see what else comes around.
HXLLISON ART HISTORY 