Van Gogh’s Most Famous Paintings: A 2025 Visual Guide

Introduction

Vincent van Gogh created over 2,000 artworks in just over a decade—but a handful of paintings have become true cultural icons. In this visual guide, we highlight Van Gogh’s most famous paintings, exploring their history, meaning, and where you can see them today. Whether you're an art lover, student, or curious traveler, this is your gateway to the masterpieces of a legend.

1. The Starry Night (1889)

Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh, 1889

• Why it's famous: One of the most recognized paintings in the world, The Starry Night captures a swirling, dreamlike night sky above a quiet village—painted from the window of Van Gogh’s asylum room in Saint-Rémy.

• Location: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York

• Keywords: starry night painting, Van Gogh night sky, starry night meaning

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2. Sunflowers (1888–1889)

Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh, 1888-1889

• Why it's famous: This vibrant still life series symbolizes warmth, friendship, and the fleeting nature of life. Van Gogh painted multiple versions in Arles to welcome fellow artist Paul Gauguin.

• Locations: National Gallery (London), Van Gogh Museum (Amsterdam), Neue Pinakothek (Munich)

• Keywords: sunflowers painting Van Gogh, Van Gogh flower paintings, Van Gogh Arles

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3. The Bedroom (1888)

The Bedroom by Vincent van Gogh, 1888

• Why it's famous: A peaceful depiction of Van Gogh’s room in the Yellow House in Arles, this painting reflects his desire for simplicity and emotional calm.

• Location: Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

• Keywords: Van Gogh bedroom painting, Yellow House, Van Gogh Arles

4. Café Terrace at Night (1888)

Café Terrace at Night by Vincent van Gogh, 1888

• Why it's famous: A glowing café under a starry sky, this atmospheric painting captures Van Gogh’s fascination with nighttime scenes and human presence.

• Location: Kröller-Müller Museum (Otterlo, Netherlands)

• Keywords: café terrace Van Gogh, Van Gogh night paintings, Van Gogh Arles

5. Wheatfield with Crows (1890)

Wheatfield with Crows by Vincent van Gogh, 1890

• Why it's famous: Often considered Van Gogh’s final painting, it portrays a vast field under a stormy sky filled with dark crows. It’s an emotionally charged farewell to the world.

• Location: Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

• Keywords: Van Gogh final painting, Wheatfield with Crows, Van Gogh symbolism

Honorable Mentions

• Irises (1889) – Lush purple flowers with swirling leaves; painted in the asylum garden.

• Portrait of Dr. Gachet (1890) – A deeply personal portrait of Van Gogh’s doctor.

• The Night Café (1888) – A psychological study in color and mood.

• Self-Portraits – Over 35 introspective paintings across his career.

Where to See Van Gogh’s Art

Many of Van Gogh’s most famous paintings are housed in world-class museums. Add these stops to your art-lover’s travel list:

• Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York

• The National Gallery, London

• Musée d’Orsay, Paris

• Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo

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