Compton Verney

Van Gogh (1853-90) is one of the greatest Dutch painters, whose work is epitomised by dynamic brushwork and vibrant colours. The exhibition at Compton Verney offers a representative selection of works from the artist’s whole career. It includes Head of a Peasant Woman (1885); Still Life, Basket of Apples (1887); Portrait of Alexander Reid (1887); Orchard in Blossom, Plum Trees (1888); Oleanders (1888); A Wheatfield with Cypresses (1889); Olive Trees (1889); Peach Blossom in the Crau (1889), and Rain-Auvers (1890).

Research for the exhibition has highlighted some important discoveries; the ‘lost’ Portrait of Alexander Reid (1887), presented by Van Gogh to Reid has been identified as a work now in Oklahoma. It has also emerged that Peach Blossom in the Crau (1889), which had been owned by Belgian artist Anna Boch, the only person to purchase a Van Gogh during the artist’s lifetime, was later sold to Samuel Courtauld. It has transpired that individual paintings had in fact been included in eleven exhibitions in Britain by 1914, although many have remained unrecorded in literature on the artist until now.

Van Gogh and Britain: Pioneer Collectors also features rarely seen archive material relating to the collectors of the artist’s work. This includes catalogues of the earliest exhibitions held in Britain; newspaper reviews of these exhibitions; photographs, and correspondence relating to the works. The exhibition at Compton Verney will be accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue, with an essay by Martin Bailey.

In addition to the Van Gogh exhibition there is a vast programme of events at Compton Verney between now and the end of July, with something to cover most tastes and interests. The press handout for this programme covers many more pages than the Oxhill News can manage, so if you are interested please contact Ina Cole or look at the Compton Verney website.

Contact: Ina Cole, Communications Manager, Compton Verney, Warwickshire, CV35 9HZ

Tel: 01926 645540; Email: ina.cole@comptonverney.org.uk; www.comptonverney.org.uk

Editor

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Last modified: March 31, 2006