The Bedroom

Vincent van Gogh’s The Bedroom (1889)
The Bedroom is one of Vincent van Gogh’s most iconic works, painted in 1889 during his stay in the Yellow House in Arles, France. The painting captures the artist’s own bedroom, depicting a simple, rustic interior with bright colors and skewed perspective. The wooden bed, chairs, and a small table are surrounded by paintings on the walls, all set against the bold blue tones of the walls and floor. The vibrant, saturated colors—yellows, greens, and blues—create a striking visual contrast, infusing this ordinary scene with emotional depth.

Van Gogh painted three versions of The Bedroom, the first in 1888, followed by two later renditions in 1889. This painting is deeply personal, representing his attempt to capture a sense of calm and stability, which he was seeking during a turbulent period in his life. The work was created during his time in Arles, where he dreamed of establishing an artist commune, and was painted while he awaited the arrival of fellow artist Paul Gauguin​

Executed in oil on canvas, The painting’s unusual perspective, with its skewed lines and flattened forms, reflects Van Gogh’s experimental approach to space and depth. The artist uses bold, expressive brushstrokes, typical of his Post-Impressionist style, to create texture and movement. His use of contrasting colors and exaggerated forms heightens the emotional intensity of the scene. Van Gogh intended for the colors to communicate tranquility and rest, though the distortions lend the room an almost surreal, dreamlike quality​

The painting symbolizes Van Gogh’s yearning for peace and personal refuge. He wrote to his brother Theo about how he deliberately avoided shadows to make the composition appear flat and restful, akin to a Japanese print. Each element in the room—whether it be the chairs or the bed—takes on a symbolic value, embodying Van Gogh’s desire for simplicity and emotional solace in a time of personal instability​

The Bedroom is one of Van Gogh’s most celebrated works, embodying his unique style of conveying emotional states through color and form. It has influenced countless artists, particularly in its depiction of intimate, personal spaces. The painting remains significant for its bold use of color and perspective, a hallmark of Van Gogh’s work during the Post-Impressionist period. Today, the three versions of The Bedroom are housed in major museums worldwide, including the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the Art Institute of Chicago​

Transform your living space with Vincent van Gogh’s The Bedroom, a masterpiece of color and emotion. Available in multiple sizes, this gallery-wrapped canvas print maintains the vibrant textures and bold lines of the original artwork. Choose between walnut and black frame options for a timeless, elegant display. The solid frame ensures your canvas remains as flat and tight as the day it was made, making it the perfect piece to reflect your appreciation for art and history in your home.