In a letter to Vincent Van Gogh (1853 – 1890), his brother Theo praised his “Vase with Sunflowers,” as “magnificent; having the effect of a piece of cloth with satin and gold embroidery.” Part of a still life series of 30 works depicting groups of 12 and 15 sunflowers, they were painted during the summer and autumn months when the sunny days uplifted Van Gogh’s tormented spirits. Although Van Gogh only sold one painting in his lifetime, his treatment of sunflowers, which was conceptually innovative, made that flower synonymous with his name, and have had a profound impact upon the development of art.

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