LEGO Unveils Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers with Hidden Art Surprise

The first thing to know about this LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers set is its impressive size. It measures 21 inches high and 16 inches wide, which is roughly 60% the size of the original painting. This makes it substantial enough to be a bit unwieldy when you're picking it up, but perfect for displaying as a centerpiece.

Out March 1### LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers

0$199.99 at LEGO StoreThis set is designed to be taken seriously, both as a tribute to one of the world's most iconic artworks and as a piece of art in its own right. LEGO's evolution from a mere adult curiosity to a respected adult hobby is evident in this set, which is meant to be proudly displayed in a home.

LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers

93 ImagesVincent van Gogh painted his renowned series of Sunflowers during his time in Arles, France, a period marked by prolific creativity. He had a deep emotional connection to the sunflower, associating it with gratitude and considering it his artistic muse. In a letter to a friend, he wrote:

"If [Georges] Jeannin has the peony, [Ernest] Quost the hollyhock, I indeed, before others, have taken the sunflower."

In August 1888, van Gogh created four versions of sunflowers in a vase, and revisited this theme in January 1889, producing 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 are the most celebrated. The original fourth version (F454) is showcased at the National Gallery in London, England. One repetition (F457) is displayed at the Sompo Museum of Art in Tokyo, Japan, while the other repetition (F458), known for its vibrant color composition, is housed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Established in 1973, the Van Gogh Museum collaborated with LEGO to create the LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers set, which pays homage to the F458 repetition. This set is crafted as a three-dimensional relief, using abstract pieces to mimic van Gogh's distinctive thick brushstrokes.

Upon opening the box, you'll find 34 numbered bags and a printed instruction booklet with a QR code. Scanning this code leads to a podcast that delves into van Gogh's life and the inspirations behind his work.

I found the build's real-world practicality to be a highlight. You start by constructing the painting's frame, which you can lean against a wall while you work on the canvas. The canvas, complete with the painting, is then built and mounted into the frame, secured with pins. This process mirrors the real-life staging and presentation of art, enhancing the set's perceived value and importance.

An intriguing Easter egg is hidden within the canvas's construction. Art experts discovered that van Gogh extended the height of the canvas with a wooden strip during the painting process to give the sunflowers more room. LEGO cleverly replicates this detail by having you build the canvas and then attach a separate strip at the top with pins. This detail, circled in red in the photo below, uses brown bricks to mimic wood.

This seemingly minor detail adds a layer of authenticity and exclusivity to the build. It's a subtle nod to the creative process and the imperfections that even masters like van Gogh encountered. Only the builder knows this secret, adding a personal touch to the experience.

Building the full-bloom sunflowers can be a bit tedious, but it's a necessary part of achieving the realistic look. The repetitiveness mirrors van Gogh's meticulous approach to his work. Take breaks and enjoy the process; this isn't a set to rush through. The wilting flowers and those shown in profile add depth and realism, which become apparent when you step back and view the piece as a whole.

A common question among adult LEGO enthusiasts is, "Where do you display your sets after building them?" For this set, the answer is clear: it's perfect for hanging on your dining room wall. Knowing exactly where it will go adds to the anticipation and enjoyment of the build. Even a week after completing it, I still find new details to appreciate.

The LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers, Set #31215, retails for $199.99 and comprises 2615 pieces. It is available exclusively at the LEGO Store.