Chair and Pipe
| Previous preview | Back to thumbnails | Next preview |
Caption: Vincent's Chair and his Pipe - Arles, December 1888
by Van Gogh
Tate Gallery
The two paintings of Vincent's and Paul Gauguin's chairs are among the most often analyzed of Van Gogh's works. In addition to the symbolic undercurrents of the work, these two paintings are also unique in terms of the way in which they're displayed together--whether at the rare exhibits in which they have been shown together (London, 1968, for example) or simply side by side in a book. Generally, if Gauguin's chair is displayed on the left, then the chairs seem to be facing away from each other--clearly symbolizing the often conflicting natures of Van Gogh and Gauguin. This is generally how the works are shown, given the volatile relationship between the two painters. If the paintings are displayed as facing each other, a different interpretation is suggested--that of a mutual respect between the artists; a grudging, but sincere admiration in spite of the unfortunate outcome of their relationship in "the Yellow House" in Arles.
©2006 TopFoto