An exclusive visit to Van Gogh‘s asylum garden to track down the scenes that he painted

Life at the asylum where Van Gogh lived from 1889-1890 was challenging, surrounded by fellow inmates in poor conditions. Painting and the garden kept him going. The garden at Saint-Paul-de-Mausole near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence was therapeutic, laid out in the 19th century. The National Gallery’s upcoming exhibition “Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers” will feature paintings from the garden. The garden remained unchanged, overgrown with ivy during Van Gogh’s time. He found solace and work in the neglected garden. The lush vegetation in his paintings captured the beauty of the garden. The twisted tree trunks were a common motif in his compositions, offering shade during summers. Van Gogh’s connection to nature and the garden is evident in his paintings. The garden provided him with inspiration and a sense of peace. Despite his struggles, Van Gogh found solace and purpose in the garden. Tragically, he left the asylum hoping for a cure, only to meet a tragic end in Auvers-sur-Oise. The story of Van Gogh’s time in the asylum and his connection to the garden is a poignant reminder of his artistic legacy.