GC Van Gogh Orchard in Blossom 1888

Van Gogh Orchard with Apricot Trees in Blossom, Arles 1888 Greetings Card

During his first spring in Arles, south of France, Van Gogh painted at least ten pictures of these blossoming trees. He was fascinated by the contrast of the pinkish-white blooms against the blue sky and complained when bad weather stopped him from working in the orchards. One of these paintings was shown in the 1910 Post-Impressionist exhibition in London. While the British press were highly critical of this display, Van Gogh’s expressive brushstrokes, colours and ‘romantic temperament’ received rare praise.