The National Gallery in London has kicked off the Art Fund's Museum of the Year quiz by challenging the public to test their knowledge of its collection. Among the questions posed is a classic: how many versions of Van Gogh's Sunflowers did the artist paint? This query delves into the prolific output of the Dutch master, who created multiple still lifes of sunflowers during his time in Arles.
The Sunflowers Series
Vincent van Gogh painted a total of 11 canvases of sunflowers, though only seven survive. The series includes four paintings from August 1888, intended to decorate the Yellow House in Arles for the arrival of Paul Gauguin. Three of these are now in private collections or museums, while one is at the National Gallery in London. Another set of three was painted in January 1889, with one at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and another at the Seiji Togo Memorial Museum in Japan.
Other Quiz Questions
The National Gallery curators also posed questions about a cut-up Manet painting and other works. The quiz is part of the Art Fund's £120,000 prize for Museum of the Year, with five shortlisted museums each contributing questions. The National Gallery's entry highlights its vast collection, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Turner.
According to the Art Fund, the quiz aims to engage the public with the stories behind museum collections. The winner of the prize will be announced later this year.
