Location and Creation

Van Gogh painted these works while he was an inmate at the Asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, in the south of France. This period, from May to December 1889, was marked by his struggles with mental illness and emotional turmoil.

Significance and Themes

The olive tree paintings held special significance for Van Gogh. They symbolized life, the divine, and the cycle of life. The gnarled and ancient forms of the olive trees were seen by Van Gogh as a manifestation of the spiritual force he believed resided in all of nature. These paintings also reflected his connection to the natural world, which he found comforting and restorative during his time of mental distress.

Artistic Style and Technique

Van Gogh's brushstrokes in these paintings are characteristic of his expressive and emotive style. He used swirling brushstrokes, bold outlines, and stylized shadows to capture the ever-changing colors and textures of the olive trees. The paintings often feature vibrant colors, such as oranges and yellows, which contrast with the cooler tones of his earlier works in the series.

Specific Works

One of the notable works from this series is The Olive Trees now at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, created in June-July 1889. This painting features intense green olive trees against a light-washed sky, reflecting the Mediterranean landscape. Another work, 'Olive Trees' at the National Gallery of Scotland, painted in 1889, is marked by its powerful impact, with writhing brushwork and strident colors that may reflect Van Gogh's agitated state of mind.

Symbolism and Emotional Impact

The olive trees were not just a natural subject but also carried spiritual and symbolic meaning. Van Gogh was aware of their association with the story of Christ's Passion and the episode of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. This symbolism is particularly evident in the paintings from November 1889, which were influenced by his reaction to the religious paintings of his friends Paul Gauguin and Émile Bernard.

Overall

The Olive Trees series is a testament to Van Gogh's ability to find comfort and inspiration in nature, even during his most challenging times. These paintings are considered among his finest works, capturing the essence of the natural world and the emotional and spiritual depth of the artist.