The first thing to note about the LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers set is its impressive dimensions: 21 inches high and 16 inches wide. This size is approximately 60% of the original painting, making it a substantial piece that's a bit unwieldy to handle, but perfect for displaying as a centerpiece in any room.
Out March 1### LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers
0$199.99 at LEGO StoreThis set is not just a playful nod to one of the world's most iconic artworks; it's a serious piece meant to be hung as art in your home. It marks a significant step in LEGO's journey from a mere adult curiosity to a respected adult hobby.
LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers
93 Images
Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers series, painted during his time in Arles, France, is a testament to his prolific period and deep emotional connection to the flower. He saw the sunflower as a symbol of gratitude and considered it his unique artistic muse, famously stating in a letter to a friend:
"If [Georges] Jeannin has the peony, [Ernest] Quost the hollyhock, I indeed, before others, have taken the sunflower."
In August 1888, van Gogh created four versions of sunflowers in a vase, and revisited the theme in January 1889 with repetitions of the third and fourth versions.
Among these seven paintings, the fourth version and its two repetitions stand out as the most renowned. The original fourth version (F454) is showcased at the National Gallery in London, England. One repetition (F457) can be seen at the Sompo Museum of Art in Tokyo, Japan, while the other (F458), known for its vibrant colors and iconic status, is displayed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The Van Gogh Museum, established in 1973, collaborated with LEGO to bring the F458 repetition to life as the LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers set. This set is crafted as a three-dimensional relief, using abstract pieces to mimic van Gogh's distinctive thick brushstrokes.
Upon opening the box, you'll find 34 numbered bags and a detailed instruction booklet, complete with a QR code that links to a podcast exploring van Gogh's inspirations and artistic journey.
The build process is both practical and engaging. You start by constructing the frame, which you can lean against a wall while you work on the canvas. The canvas, featuring the painting, is then built and mounted into the frame, secured with pins, adding a personal touch that enhances the set's value and importance.
An intriguing Easter egg is hidden within the canvas's construction. Art experts noted that van Gogh extended the canvas's height with a wooden strip during the painting process to give the sunflowers more room. LEGO cleverly replicates this detail by having you build the canvas and then attach a separate strip at the top with pins. This subtle nod to van Gogh's process is highlighted in brown bricks to mimic wood, as seen circled in red in the photo below.
This detail, though imperceptible to casual observers, adds a layer of exclusivity and personal connection for the builder, reflecting the trial and error inherent in creating a masterpiece.
Building the full-bloom sunflowers can be repetitive, but it's a necessary part of achieving the realistic look. Van Gogh himself didn't cut corners, and neither should you. Take breaks and enjoy the process; this isn't a set to rush through.
What stands out are the wilting flowers and those depicted in profile. Initially, they may seem abstract, but stepping back reveals their place in the overall composition, turning seemingly random pieces into stems and leaves.
When asked where to display such a set, the answer is clear: on your dining room wall. This set is designed to be enjoyed long after completion, and its placement is something to look forward to. A week after finishing it, I still find new details to appreciate.
The LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers, Set #31215, comprises 2615 pieces and retails for $199.99. It's available exclusively at the LEGO Store.
See More LEGO Art Sets:
### LEGO Art Hokusai – The Great Wave
0See it at Amazon
### LEGO Ideas Vincent Van Gogh The Starry Night
0See it at Amazon
### LEGO Art The Milky Way Galaxy
0See it at Amazon
### LEGO Art Mona Lisa
0See it at Amazon
