Garden of the Asylum 1889

Drawn by Vincent van Gogh during his stay at an asylum, this ink drawing, "Garden of the Asylum," depicts a garden scene dominated by a solitary tree. The tree, often a symbol of life, growth, and connection between heaven and earth, appears here with writhing branches, evoking feelings of turmoil and inner struggle. Compare this with the Tree of Knowledge in medieval depictions of the Garden of Eden, where the tree signifies temptation and moral choice, and it becomes clear how van Gogh subverts traditional iconography to reflect personal anguish. The expressive, swirling lines embody the psychological state of the artist. Similar to the depiction of psychological turmoil in Edvard Munch's "The Scream," van Gogh uses the natural world to project inner emotional chaos. The garden, usually a place of tranquility, becomes a mirror reflecting van Gogh's internal world, inviting viewers to engage with deep-seated emotions.