By Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890), “L'Allée des Alyscamps,” oil on canvas, 36 1/8 by 28 7/8 inches (91.7 by 73.5 cm), photo: Sotheby’s New York, 05 May 2015. #art #arthistory #painting #oilpainting #vangogh From the catalogue note: ‘For two months during the fall of 1888 Van Gogh painted in the company of his close friend Paul Gauguin, who had come to the south of France for a shared artistic experiment known as the Studio of the South. The artists would set up their easels side-by-side or back-to-back, tackling what are now some of the most famous subjects of their careers. Their first shared experience to this end was a series of views of lovers strolling through Alyscamps, the ancient "Elysian Fields" just outside the walls of the city. With its lush scenery, historic importance and romantic undertones the location was an irresistible starting point, resulting in four major oils by Van Gogh and two by Gauguin. Over the passing weeks conflicts increasingly arose between the two artists, with the simmering tension ultimately resulting in Van Gogh's violent breakdown at the end of the year. But the present work, created during those exciting first days of their time together, presents the glorious product of Van Gogh's ambitious undertaking.’