Series and Location

Van Gogh painted these works in Arles, where he was inspired by the blooming fruit trees in the local orchards. The series includes about fourteen paintings of blossoming fruit trees, such as apricot, peach, plum, and almond trees.

Specific Paintings

Several paintings are notable within this series:

• Orchard in Blossom (Plum Trees): Painted in April 1888, this work is now at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. It features plum trees and was worked on further by Van Gogh from memory when he was in Saint-Rémy in 1889.
• The White Orchard: Painted in April 1888, this painting depicts poorly maintained plum trees with long branches. It is also at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
• Flowering Orchard: Another version, simply titled "Flowering Orchard," is part of the Van Gogh Museum's collection as well. These paintings often feature high vantage points, emphasizing the contrast between the dark tree trunks and the light, blossoming branches.

Influences and Style

These paintings reflect various influences, including Impressionism, Divisionism, and Japanese woodcut art. Van Gogh was particularly drawn to the simplicity and clarity of Japanese woodblocks, which is evident in the composition and use of color in these works. He used short brush strokes and emphasized the play of light, characteristic of Impressionist techniques.

Symbolism and Inspiration

For Van Gogh, flowering trees symbolized rebirth and hope. He was aesthetically and emotionally inspired by these trees, seeing them as a representation of awakening and new life.

Provenance

Many of these paintings were sent to his brother Theo van Gogh in Paris and later passed through various exhibitions and collections before being permanently housed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.