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

The first thing you should know about this impressive LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers set is its substantial size. Standing at 21 inches high and 16 inches wide, it captures approximately 60% of the original painting's dimensions. Its size makes it a bit unwieldy to handle, yet perfect for displaying as a piece of art in your home.

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

0$199.99 at LEGO StoreThis set is not just a playful tribute to one of the world's most iconic 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 to a respected adult hobby, this set marks an important milestone in that journey.

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. Van Gogh's emotional connection to the sunflower was profound, associating it with gratitude and viewing it as a personal muse. He famously wrote in a letter to a friend:

"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 stand out as the most celebrated. The original fourth version (F454) is showcased 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 displayed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Established in 1973, the Van Gogh Museum collaborated with LEGO to bring to life the LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers set, inspired by the F458 repetition. This set is crafted as a three-dimensional relief, utilizing abstract pieces to mimic van Gogh's distinctive thick brushstrokes.

Upon opening the box, you'll find 34 numbered bags and a detailed instruction booklet complete 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 practicality to be a highlight. You start by constructing the painting's frame, which you can lean against the wall as you work. Then, you build the canvas with the painting on top of it.

To complete the set, you mount the canvas into the frame and secure it with pins, adding a personal touch that mirrors the real-life process of staging and presentation. This step enhances 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, highlighted in red in the photo below, uses brown bricks to simulate wood.

This seemingly minor detail adds a layer of authenticity and exclusivity to the build. It's a subtle nod to the imperfections and creative process of a master artist, known only to the builder, who can choose whether to share this secret with others.

Building the full-bloom sunflowers can be a bit tedious, but it's a necessary part of achieving such a realistic representation. 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.

I particularly enjoyed constructing the wilting flowers and those shown in profile. Initially, they seemed abstract, but stepping back reveals their purpose and beauty within the overall composition.

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. This set is designed with a specific purpose in mind, allowing you to anticipate where it will go and enjoy it long after completion. A week after finishing 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.