“The sadness will last forever.” These poignant words echo through the story of Auvers-sur-Oise. This small commune holds a significant place in art history. It is located on the northwestern outskirts of Paris. Auvers-sur-Oise became the final home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh.
Auvers-sur-Oise is a commune in the Val-d’Oise department. It sits on the right bank of the river Oise. The distance from the center of Paris is 27.2 km.
In the 19th century Auvers-sur-Oise became a haven for artists. Besides Van Gogh, other famous painters lived and worked here. These included Paul Cèzanne and Camille Pissarro. Charles-François Daubigny also lived here.
Now, imagine you are Vincent van Gogh arriving in Auvers-sur-Oise in May 1890. The countryside unfolds before you. It is picturesque and charming. You write to your brother Theo about the beauty of Auvers. “Auvers is very pretty” you say. “There is countryside all around typical and picturesque.” You seek calm after a period of mental instability.
Dr. Paul Gachet offers to care for you. He is a great art lover. You find lodging at the Auberge Ravoux. You begin painting the landscapes around Auvers. Van Gogh paints some of his most famous works in Auvers. These include “Wheat Field with Crows” and “The Church of Auvers”. He also paints a portrait of Dr. Gachet.
However, peace is short-lived. On July 27 1890 Van Gogh shoots himself in the abdomen. He staggers back to the Auberge Ravoux. Two days later he dies with his brother Theo at his side. His last words are “The sadness will last forever.”
Today you can visit the Auberge Ravoux. The room where Van Gogh died has been preserved. Though it has no furniture it stands as a somber reminder of the artist’s tormented soul.
Vincent and Theo van Gogh are buried side by side in the Auvers-sur-Oise cemetery. Theo died six months after Vincent. The brothers rest under ivy from Doctor Gachet’s garden. Auvers-sur-Oise remains a place of pilgrimage for art lovers. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Vincent van Gogh. His art continues to inspire and move people. His story serves as a reminder of the fragility of the human spirit.
Consider Daubigny’s house now a museum. It showcases paintings by him and his family and friends. See rooms decorated in period style.
Auvers-sur-Oise offers a glimpse into the life and work of Vincent van Gogh. His final months were spent here. Auvers-sur-Oise immortalized by his brushstrokes. It is a place where art and life intertwine.