Methods and Materials of the Amsterdam Sunflowers

This chapter explores the methods and materials of Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers, the painting now in the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. Comprehensive physical and chemical investigations were performed using a range of non-invasive, in situ techniques combined with sample analysis. The results help to elucidate different stages of the artist’s working process, from making the canvas support, to the first charcoal sketch, the palette used, mixing and application of colour, paint texture and brushwork, as well as a wooden strip extension added late in the painting process. Comparisons are made with Van Gogh’s first painting of Sunflowers against a yellow background, now at the National Gallery in London.