Solsikkerne ved huset 1894 - 1899

Thorvald Niss created this etching, "Sunflowers by the House," capturing a humble dwelling embraced by nature. Here, sunflowers are the key. Across cultures, they've stood as symbols of adoration, longevity, and, notably, devotion. In ancient lore, the sunflower's constant turning towards the sun mirrors the soul’s unwavering focus on the divine. Echoes of this can be found in the myth of Clytie, whose unrequited love for Helios transformed her into this very flower. The sunflower's presence resonates even within the somber stillness of van Gogh’s still-life series. Though celebrated for their beauty, they also bear witness to the artist’s struggles with mental health. Similarly, here, the sunflowers might echo a sense of melancholy. Their drooping heads, rendered in monochrome, hint at the transient nature of life. The setting sun casts long shadows, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia, a subtle nod to life's fleeting moments and the beauty found even in decay.