This is the story of one of the world’s most iconic images. Martin Bailey explains why Van Gogh painted a series of still lives in Provence. He then explores the subsequent adventures of the seven paintings, and their continuing influence on modern art. Through the Sunflowers, we gain fresh insights into Van Gogh’s life and his path towards fame. Based on original research, the book is packed with discoveries – throwing new light on the legendary artist.

In 1888 Van Gogh left for Provence to settle in Arles. That summer he produced what would become his most iconic  works, a series of four sunflower still lifes, with bouquets of three, six, fourteen and fifteen flowers in simple earthenware pots. The two final pictures, the large bouquets set against turquoise and yellow backgrounds are famous- but the first two, Three Sunflowers and Six Sunflowers can almost be described as the ‘unknown’ Sunflowers. One left Europe for Japan in 1920 and was destroyed during the Second World War. The other has always been hidden away in private collections and was last exhibited, briefly, in 1948.

Although much has been written about Van Gogh’s life and work, much less has been published about what happened later to his paintings. Through the Sunflowers we can see how the artist’s fame and prices developed. Three of the Sunflowers have played particularly important roles , the one now in museums in Munich, London and Tokyo. With new research, including rare early photographs, it is possible to trace how the Arles still lifes became Van Gogh’s most iconic images.

All seven Sunflowers have their very different stories to tell. Discover these stories now with Martin Bailey’s new book THE SUNFLOWERS ARE MINE. The book follows Martin Bailey’s 2018 publication Starry Night : Van Gogh at the Asylum.

The Sunflowers Are Mine/ ISBN- 0780711241398/ Paperback. RRP $35

Sydney Arts Guide has one of THE SUNFLOWERS ARE MINE : THE STORY OF VAN GOGH’S MASTERPIECE Email editor.sydneyartsguide@gmail.com. The winner will be advised by email.