Sunflowers

by Debra N. Mancoff

Sunflower imagery has an enduring quality that has been captured most famously in the work of Vincent van Gogh. Indeed, for many people the sunflower has become synonymous with his art. Published in conjunction with the Art Institute of Chicago's exhibition of work by van Gogh and Gauguin, this book considers the flower's significance from pre-Columbian times to the early twentieth century. The numerous full-color illustrations celebrate the image of the sunflower from its first appearance in sixteenth-century botanical texts to present-day representations. Brief essays and reproductions survey the chronology of the sunflower in art and literature, highlighting its presence in the work of the Symbolists and the British Aesthetic movement, as well as in Realist and Impressionist paintings. The flower's representation in art and science creates a context for van Gogh's work, and Mancoff develops the image of the sunflower as a lasting emblem of the artist. 180 color illustrations.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art

112 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Amanda Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book, with half-page colour pictures of paintings that feature sunflowers. Discusses the flower's beginnings to Van Gogh's use of it in his art.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful look at the history of the sunflower. Of course, it's a slim volume, so it's more a conversational history than anything else. Still, the beauty of the volume lies in its pictures and the feeling of the tangible connection to history one can create through art. There isn't a pleasanter way to pass an hour.