1889

About the Artwork

The story behind Two Poplars in the Alpilles near Saint-Rémy is deeply intertwined with Van Gogh's tumultuous life. After a series of mental health crises, he voluntarily admitted himself to an asylum in 1889. Initially confined to his room, he was later permitted to paint outdoors, amidst the natural beauty of the Alpilles. This newfound freedom ignited a creative surge, allowing him to channel his emotions into his artwork. The two poplar trees symbolize resilience and strength, mirroring Van Gogh's own struggles while capturing the essence of the surrounding landscape with a dynamic and vivid palette. This painting exemplifies a pivotal transitional phase in his career, where he transformed pain into visual poetry.

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Did You Know

Van Gogh often sought solace in nature, using it as a therapeutic escape from his struggles with mental illness. His deep emotional connection to the landscapes he painted was a vital part of his artistic process.
While staying at the asylum in Saint-Rémy, Van Gogh produced over 150 paintings, illustrating a remarkable burst of creativity fueled by the serene yet compelling landscapes surrounding him.
Bequeathed to the Cleveland Museum of Art by Leonard C. Hanna Jr. in 1958, ‘Two Poplars in the Alpilles’ is part of a collection that helps preserve Van Gogh’s legacy and provides public access to his extraordinary works.

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