Photo Scrapbook: Vincent van Gogh in Arles

The hospital where van Gogh stayed is now a cultural center, offering extensive information about the most productive period in his life; more than 300 paintings and drawings were done in the 15 months he was in Arles. He died at age 37 in July 1890.


The intense yellows, blues and greens of van Gogh's work in Arles is evident when visiting the courtyard of the hospital where van Gogh spent time recovering from self-inflicted injuries.



The interior courtyard of the former hospital where van Gogh was treated after cutting off a portion of his ear has been meticulously restored and landscaped to match his painting. This print was for sale at one of the shops now open onto the courtyard.


There's a walking tour map of 10 reproductions depicting actual places in Arles that van Gogh painted; this shows one version of Le Jardin de la Maison de Sante.


A marble statue in the Place du Forum honors the 19th century Provencal patriot and poet Frederic Mistral.


Van Gogh painted some of this most famous paintings in Arles, including The Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum; the cafe is still operational today and called - what else? - Cafe Van Gogh. It was one of the first paintings in which he used starry backgrounds.


After a busy morning visiting historical sites, the bustling farmers' market and the haunts of the troubled Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, it was time for a leisurely walk along the Rhone back to the River Royale.

(blog entries by Heidi Hutson)