The sunflowers paintings are among the best-known works by Vincent van Gogh. He made them in Arles, in the South of France, in 1888 and 1889. In radiant shades of yellow, he painted five large still lifes of sunflowers in a vase that now hang in museums around the world. This book focuses on Sunflowers from the collection of the Van Gogh Museum. The masterpiece has been researched with the latest techniques to find out which materials Van Gogh used, what the condition of the painting is, and what can be done now, 130 years after the painting was made, to conserve the painting as good as possible for future generations.

In addition to the results of this research, this publication highlights the special history of the painting and the special significance the sunflower had for Van Gogh. His preference for this motif was closely linked to his friendship and competition with the painter Paul Gauguin, with whom he shared his studio in Arles. Van Gogh realised that he had delivered a true performance with his sunflower paintings and that was recognised by others. Not only Gauguin, but also Vincent's brother Theo, other artists and critics thought the paintings were beautiful. Soon after Van Gogh's early death, they were given the status of masterpieces.