"I dream my painting, and then I paint my dream."

The Bedroom

Introduction

The Bedroom (1888) is one of Vincent van Gogh’s most emotionally

intimate paintings. Depicting his own room in the Yellow House in Arles,

this work goes beyond a simple interior scene—it reflects Van Gogh’s

longing for peace, stability, and emotional clarity.

This page explores the painting's symbolism, color theory, and

emotional context, while guiding you to where you can see it today.

The Story Behind The Bedroom

Van Gogh painted The Bedroom shortly after moving into the Yellow House

in Arles. He envisioned this room as a place of rest and creative

renewal—a personal sanctuary after years of emotional turbulence.

The work captures a quiet, almost sacred space through skewed

perspective and calming, flat color planes.

He actually created three versions of the painting, each slightly different in tone and scale, and all rich with symbolic detail.

Symbolism and Interpretation

Color as Emotion: Van Gogh used flat, contrasting colors (cool blues, warm reds, soft greens) to elicit calm and stability.
Skewed Perspective: The oddly angled furniture creates a dreamlike feel—perhaps reflecting Van Gogh’s distorted emotional state.
Minimalist Design: The room is sparse yet deeply personal, symbolizing both isolation and a desire for simplicity.
Objects with Meaning: Chairs, portraits, and even the bed reflect Van Gogh’s longing for companionship and routine.

Techniques and Style

Bold Color Palette: Unblended, expressive colors dominate the composition, typical of Van Gogh’s post-Impressionist style.
Thick Brushwork: Energetic, confident strokes give the otherwise calm setting a dynamic presence.
Flattened Depth: Inspired by Japanese prints, Van Gogh flattens the scene to focus more on mood than realism.
Lines and Angles: Deliberate distortions intensify the painting’s emotional impact.

Where is The Bedroom Painting Today?

There are three versions of The Bedroom:

Original (1888): Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
Replica (1889): Art Institute of Chicago
Smaller version (1889): Musée d'Orsay, Paris

Each is preserved in a major institution and offers its own slight variation in detail, color, and tone.

Fast Facts

Painted: October 1888
Medium: Oil on canvas
Location Painted: Yellow House, Arles, France
Versions: Three (1888, 1889, 1889)
Style: Post-Impressionism
Described in Letters: Extensively referenced in Van Gogh’s letters to his brother Theo

Why is The Bedroom So Famous?

It offers a rare, intimate look into Van Gogh’s personal space and mental state.
The use of color and shape is psychologically powerful, yet deceptively simple.
It represents Van Gogh’s desire for stability, comfort, and artistic purity.
Its connection to the Yellow House period—one of his most productive and dramatic times—adds historical weight.

FAQ

Why did Van Gogh paint The Bedroom?

Van Gogh painted The Bedroom to capture a sense of peace and rest within his personal space at the Yellow House in Arles. He aimed to express serenity through color and simplicity, using the painting as a symbol of emotional refuge.

Where is Van Gogh’s The Bedroom located?

The three versions of The Bedroom are housed in:

The Van Gogh Museum (Amsterdam)
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Musée d'Orsay (Paris)

How many versions of The Bedroom did Van Gogh create?

Van Gogh created three versions of The Bedroom. The first was painted in 1888 in Arles, and two replicas followed in 1889—one full-sized and one smaller version for his family.

What is the meaning behind The Bedroom painting?

The painting reflects Van Gogh’s desire for calm, order, and a stable home. Through symbolic use of color, perspective, and personal objects, it portrays his longing for inner peace and a place to belong.