Almond Blossom Branches

 

     Vincent Van Gogh - Almond Blossom Branches

 



     I have been studying fine art, and, more particularly, impressionism since I was four years old.  Since then, I have never seen a painting that I love as much as this one; not only for its stunning aesthetics, but for what it represents.

 

     In 1890, while in the asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, Vincent received a letter from his beloved brother Theo, announcing the birth of his son.  Theo gave the boy Vincent's name, and wrote -- "I wish that he will be as perservering and courageous as you."  Overjoyed, Vincent painted this picture, and sent it as a gift to be hung in his nephew's bedroom.

 

     To me, this painting represents hope.  Light coming out of darkness.  Looking at it, I think he felt hope that joy, and love, and life, even his name would go on, even if he could not, and hope that his namesake's world would be brighter than his.

 

     As I was pondering over these things this evening, I suddenly remembered that in the language of flowers, almond blossoms mean hope.  I had quite forgotten that until tonight.  I wonder if he knew that, or if it's just a wonderful coincidence.  In any case, I'm glad to know it, and to feel that I was right.