Wheat Field with Cypresses
Painting on canvas • Vincent van Gogh
Style & Movement
Post-Impressionism
Medium & Technique
Oil paint using impasto and energetic, gestural brushstrokes with thick application of pigments
Creation Period
September 1889
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 73 cm × 93 cm (28.7 in × 36.7 in), landscape format
Subject Description
A landscape featuring a golden wheat field, dark green cypress trees, blue-toned mountains, and a swirling, turbulent sky filled with white rhythmic clouds. The composition utilizes symbolic cypress trees as a connection between earth and sky.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent/Very Good; well-preserved within a museum environment with stabilized pigments
Estimated Market Value
$100,000,000 - $150,000,000+
Auction Estimate
$90,000,000 - $120,000,000
Provenance History
Formerly in the collection of the artist's brother, Theo van Gogh; currently a centerpiece of the National Gallery, London, following various private collections and deaccessions.
Art Historical Significance
One of Van Gogh's most iconic landscapes, painted during his time at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy. It represents his fascination with the nature of Provence and his mastery of swirling, expressive line and color.
Notable Features
Distinctive swirling 'halo' clouds and flame-like cypress trees; thick impasto visible in the white clouds creates a three-dimensional textural effect.
Condition Issues
Typical age-related craquelure and slight yellowing of varnish; minor losses stabilized through professional conservation
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain strictly controlled humidity (45-55% RH) and temperature (18-22°C). Display under UV-filtering glass with low-level LED lighting (50-100 lux).