Vase of Hollyhocks 1886

Vincent van Gogh captured these hollyhocks on canvas with oil paints; their towering presence fills the space, hinting at a narrative deeper than mere floral arrangement. The hollyhock, with its tall, reaching stalk and vibrant blossoms, traditionally embodies ambition and fertility. Yet, in Van Gogh’s hands, these symbols transform. Compare, if you will, the rigid, orderly depictions of flowers in earlier Dutch still lifes to the almost feverish energy here. These are not symbols of simple virtue or wealth; they are charged with a raw, almost desperate vitality. Consider how, throughout art history, flowers have been used to represent the fleeting nature of life and beauty. Yet, the hollyhocks transcend this memento mori tradition. They become symbols of an intense emotional state, a yearning for life. The vibrant colors, the dynamic brushstrokes—all speak to a psychological depth, resonating with a subconscious understanding of growth and decay, hope and despair.