Flowerpot with Chives, 1887
Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)
Oil on Canvas, 31.5 X 22 cm
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
(Vincent van Gogh Stichting)
F 337

When selecting subjects for his still lives, Van Gogh had a predilection for simple items found in his immediate surroundings. He painted this pot of chives with great care, using a thin brush, and contrasting a great many tints of green with red and orange.

The background with the bands of color is reiterated in other still lives from the same period. From this time on, Van Gogh was to choose a bright, colorful background for his still lives and portraits.