The Bedroom

The Bedroom is an iconic 1889 oil on canvas painting created by the Dutch master Vincent van Gogh during his tumultuous stay in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France. This work represents the third and final version of a subject Gogh initiated in 1888 while living in the famous "Yellow House" in Arles. It stands as a pivotal example of Post-Impressionism, capturing both the simplicity of the artist's personal space and the complexity of his emotional state through radical use of color and distorted perspective.

Executed using the thick, distinct impasto brushwork characteristic of Gogh's mature period, the painting depicts a simple, solitary room intended for rest. Gogh utilized strong complementary colors—the vibrant vermillion of the tile floor, the muted blue of the walls, and the buttery yellow of the wooden furniture—to evoke a feeling of "absolute rest" and mental calm, a therapeutic hope he seldom realized. The composition is defined by sharply receding lines and deliberately tilted angles, creating a sense of intimacy yet subtle instability that draws the viewer directly into the confined space. The placement of two chairs, a bed, a small table, and a few hanging portraits on the wall reinforces the monastic and highly personal nature of the artist’s temporary retreat.

The 1889 rendition of The Bedroom is a powerful psychological study and a testament to the pictorial innovations of the Post-Impressionism movement. The work reflects Gogh’s enduring belief that color held symbolic and emotional power, capable of expressing feelings independent of conventional representation. This globally significant piece currently resides in the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As one of the most famous pieces in the museum’s holdings, the image is widely reproduced; high-quality digital prints and related materials of this foundational modern masterwork are frequently made available through public domain initiatives.