Two Rare Van Gogh Paintings to Debut in London at the Courtauld This February

Robert Draws – Two rare Van Gogh paintings, The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles and The Ward in the Hospital at Arles, are set to make their London debut this February at the Courtauld Gallery. These masterpieces, created during one of the most turbulent periods in Van Gogh’s life, offer a glimpse into his time at the hospital in Arles following the infamous incident when he mutilated his ear. Once part of the private Oskar Reinhart Collection in Switzerland, these works were previously unavailable for lending. However, the temporary closure of the Reinhart museum has allowed them to become highlights of the Goya to Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Oskar Reinhart Collection exhibition.

A Glimpse into Van Gogh’s Hospital Stay

In December 1888, Vincent van Gogh’s deteriorating mental health culminated in a traumatic episode where he mutilated his ear. This event marked the end of his collaboration with fellow artist Paul Gauguin and led to his admission to the hospital in Arles. During his stay, Van Gogh found solace in painting and created two works depicting the hospital: The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles and The Ward in the Hospital at Arles.

Both paintings were created in April 1889, just months after the incident, and reflect contrasting aspects of Van Gogh’s experience. While the courtyard painting is vibrant and serene, the ward painting portrays a more claustrophobic and somber atmosphere.

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The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles

The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles (April-May 1889) vividly captures the arcaded courtyard of the hospital, complete with its lush garden of spring flowers. Van Gogh described the scene in a letter to his sister Wil, detailing the colorful flower beds, ancient garden layout, and even the orange trees that lined the space. Despite his inner turmoil, the painting is a testament to Van Gogh’s ability to create beauty in the face of suffering.

The composition, with its carefully cropped trees and harmonious structure, was influenced by Japanese prints, which Van Gogh greatly admired. The inclusion of three dark tree trunks and a central pond with goldfish adds complexity to the otherwise joyful scene.

The Ward in the Hospital at Arles

In contrast to the courtyard’s serenity, The Ward in the Hospital at Arles (April-October 1889) depicts the long, crowded men’s ward where Van Gogh stayed. The painting shows rows of curtained beds, with figures of patients scattered throughout the space. A crucifix hangs at the far end of the ward, marking the entrance to the chapel, while the tiled floor and wooden beams give the scene a stark and somber feel.

Van Gogh described the ward in the same letter to his sister, noting the white walls and ceilings, along with the occasional bright curtains on the windows. Six months after beginning the work, Van Gogh added more details from memory, including a stove in the foreground and a group of patients huddled nearby. Dr. Félix Rey, who treated Van Gogh, even claimed that one of the patients—a man in a straw hat reading a newspaper—might be a self-portrait of the artist.

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The Journey of the Paintings

Swiss collector Oskar Reinhart acquired both paintings in the 1920s from different dealers, despite their strong thematic connection. Reinhart housed his collection in the Am Römerholz museum in Winterthur, which long prohibited lending. Now, with the museum temporarily closing for renovations until 2026, the Courtauld Gallery has seized the opportunity to showcase these masterpieces.

The exhibition includes the pair for the first time, bringing them together in London. The Courtauld Gallery’s exhibition Goya to Impressionism will provide visitors a rare chance to experience these paintings, alongside other masterpieces from the Reinhart Collection.