Roses

Roses is a monumental oil on canvas painted by Vincent van Gogh in 1890. This magnificent still life, executed just weeks before the artist departed the asylum at Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, is characterized by its explosive vitality and lush composition. The piece depicts a massive bouquet of deep pink and crimson roses set against a swirling, light green background. The dynamic handling of paint and intense, contrasting color demonstrate the Post-Impressionist color theory typical of Gogh’s late period.

As a still life subject, the work moves beyond traditional floral arrangements through its scale and sheer textural energy. Gogh utilized thick, pronounced impasto and long, curving strokes to create a sense of vigorous movement, both in the dense petals of the roses and the undulating, almost vibrating background. This energetic brushwork was a deliberate choice, reflecting the artist’s emotional intensity and his renewed connection to nature during his final, productive months. The composition is often studied alongside its contemporary floral work, Irises, as both large canvases were intended by Gogh to symbolize hope and a return to equilibrium. The sheer volume and density of the flowers suggest the overwhelming natural beauty the artist experienced in the gardens of the institution.

The significance of this canvas lies in its representation of Gogh’s last great outpouring of color before his death later that summer. It is one of several crucial works painted just before his departure for Auvers-sur-Oise. The painting, Roses, is a highlight of the European Paintings collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Due to its cultural importance and age, this masterwork is frequently made available through public domain archives, allowing enthusiasts and students to easily access high-quality images and art prints of the original still life.