The first thing to know about this LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers set is its impressive size. At 21 inches high and 16 inches wide, it's approximately 60% the size of the original painting. This makes it a substantial piece that can feel unwieldy when you're moving it around.
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 famous artworks; it's designed to be taken seriously as a piece of art in its own right. As LEGO continues to evolve from a mere adult curiosity into a full-fledged adult hobby, sets like this one highlight the company's commitment to quality and artistic integrity.
LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers
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Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers series was created during his stay in Arles, France, a period marked by prolific creativity. Van Gogh's emotional connection to the sunflower was profound, symbolizing gratitude. In his correspondence, he expressed this bond, stating:
"If [Georges] Jeannin has the peony, [Ernest] Quost the hollyhock, I indeed, before others, have taken the sunflower."
In August 1888, van Gogh painted four versions of sunflowers in a vase, returning to the theme in January 1889 with a repetition of the third version and two different repetitions of the fourth version.
Among these seven paintings, the fourth version and its two repetitions stand out as the most celebrated. The original fourth version (F454) is displayed 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 repetition (F458), known for its vibrant color composition, is showcased at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
In collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum, established in 1973, LEGO released the LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers set, paying homage to the F458 repetition. The set features a three-dimensional relief and uses abstract pieces to capture van Gogh's distinctive thick brushstrokes.
Upon opening the box, builders are greeted with 34 numbered bags and a printed instruction booklet complete with a QR code. Scanning this code leads to a podcast exploring van Gogh and the inspirations behind his work.
The practical aspect of the build is noteworthy. You begin by constructing the frame, which can be leaned against a wall while you work on the canvas. The final step involves mounting the canvas into the frame and securing it with pins, adding a personal touch that mirrors the process of staging and presentation in real life, enhancing the set's perceived value.
An intriguing Easter egg is embedded in the canvas's construction. Art experts discovered 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 attach a corresponding strip at the top of the canvas with pins, using brown bricks to mimic wood.
This subtle detail, while imperceptible to casual viewers, adds a layer of authenticity and exclusivity for the builder, reflecting the trial and error inherent in creating a masterpiece.
Building the full-bloom sunflowers can be somewhat tedious, but it's an essential part of the process that mirrors van Gogh's meticulous approach. Take breaks and savor the experience; this set isn't meant for speed-building but for appreciation and engagement.
What I particularly enjoyed were the wilting flowers and those depicted in profile, which initially seem abstract but form coherent stems and leaves when viewed from a distance.
A common question among adult builders is, "Where do you display your LEGO sets?" For this set, the answer is straightforward: it's destined for my dining room wall. This clear purpose enhances the building experience, as you can anticipate where it will go and enjoy it long after completion. Even a week after finishing it, I still find new details to appreciate.
The LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers, Set #31215, is priced at $199.99 and consists of 2615 pieces. It is available exclusively at the LEGO Store.
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