Basket of Crocus Bulbs

"Basket of Crocus Bulbs," painted in 1887, offers a glimpse into Vincent van Gogh's artistry during a pivotal period. This piece, housed right here in the Van Gogh Museum, measures 41 centimeters high and 32.5 centimeters wide. Notice how Van Gogh draws our attention to the humble beauty of a basket brimming with crocus bulbs. The basket, rendered in deep browns and blacks, anchors the composition, its woven texture brought to life through Van Gogh's characteristically bold brushstrokes. From this darkness emerges a burst of life—vibrant green shoots springing forth from the bulbs, reaching for the light. The contrast between the dark, earthy tones and the bright green shoots creates a sense of vitality and hope. The muted background further emphasizes the basket and its contents, making them the undeniable focal point of the painting. And there, in the lower left corner, you can just make out the artist's signature, a simple "Vincent," forever marking this work as his own.