Van Gogh and the Potato

2025 marks the 140th anniversary of Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) painting his masterpiece The Potato Eaters in the Brabant village of Nuenen.

Gordina de Groot

We are devoted to this tuber in the Netherlands and Van Gogh saw that too. How did this gnarled thump inspire artists in the 19th and 20th centuries? Central to the exhibition is the painting by farmer's daughter Gordina de Groot, which became world news in 2024.

Potato

Lemons and apples are often seen in paintings, but potatoes less so: they seem too ordinary and not attractive. Yet Van Gogh gave the potato the leading role in at least six still lifes. The simple crop was given a prominent place in his work, alongside apples, pears and grain fields 140 years after The potato eaters we investigate why this modest tuber was so important to him.