Van Gogh’s Irises, Part II

What is the life of a painting after it is painted? Getty scientists explore this question by studying the colors of Van Gogh’s iconic Irises. Learning what has happened to it over a century since its creation. Unveiling new scientific evidence supporting long held scholarly theories about the painting.

Getty has joined forces with Smarthistory to bring you an in-depth look at select works within our collection, whether you want to learn more at home or make art more accessible in your classroom. This video series illuminates art history concepts through fun, unscripted conversations between art historians, curators, archaeologists, scientists, and artists, committed to a fresh take on the history of visual arts.

View the Getty Conversations series:

Watch Van Gogh’s Irises, Part I:

"Irises" is featured in the exhibition "Ultra-Violet: New Light on Van Gogh’s Irises," part of the larger initiative "PST ART: Art & Science Collide."

Learn more about "Ultra-Violet: New Light on Van Gogh’s Irises" at:

Learn more about "PST ART: Art & Science Collide" at:

Learn more about "Irises" at:

#GettyMuseum #pstART #GettyConversations #Smarthistory #VincentVanGogh #VanGogh #Irises #UltraViolet #PSTArtScienceCollide #ArtAndScienceCollide

[peterotoole]

I recall years ago I was a driver for a food packaging company. I was delivering to business that pre-packed fresh goods for a big supermarket and met by chance their packaging manger who spent a good time explaining how they use colour theory in the packing process. Apples and tomatoes went on to a green cardboard tray because the red and green looked so well together, chicken went on to a pale blue tray where the pale meat contrasts with the blue to look fresh and appealing to us. Colour theory in action.

[_anyone]

Thank you! This is a beautiful way to see how the painting changes with time.

[paulalovesart]

I love this so much. I went back and searched the first Irises video that was done as well. All this art makes my heart so happy. I always thought the intention was the blue color, but this all makes so much sense. Amazing how strongly colored it still is considering the more fugitive colors that have faded over time. So good, all around.