The Optimism of the Most Famous Artist’s Bedroom in History

Uncovering the story of Van Gogh’s vibrant abode

The Bedroom (1889) by Vincent van Gogh. Oil on canvas. 74 × 92 cm. Art Institute Chicago, U.S. Image source Art Institute

What impels an artist to paint? What kind of urge takes them to the canvas to begin working?

I’d like to say that paintings are, amongst other things, an attempt to seize the visible world before it changes — as it is so prone to doing.