Vase with Carnations 1886

Vincent van Gogh captured these carnations in thick oil paint, presenting a seemingly simple floral arrangement. But consider the carnation itself. From ancient Greece, where it was used in ceremonial crowns, to the Renaissance, where it symbolized divine love in religious paintings, the carnation carries layers of meaning. Note how Van Gogh's handling of the flower differs vastly from its religious counterparts, emphasizing the bold texture and vibrant color over the delicate, symbolic forms of the past. This shift mirrors a broader transformation in art history, where nature becomes a subject of deep, personal expression. The intense hues and dynamic brushwork might evoke feelings of vitality, passion, or even turmoil – reflecting the artist’s own psychological state. We see here not merely a bouquet, but a visual embodiment of the complex human experience, echoed through a flower that has long carried our hopes, dreams, and reflections.