This LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers set is substantial: 21 inches high and 16 inches wide—roughly 60% the size of the original painting. Its impressive scale positions it as a serious piece, a true tribute to a world-famous artwork, destined to be displayed as art itself, reflecting LEGO's ongoing transformation from a children's toy to a sophisticated adult hobby.
LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers
Out March 1
$199.99 at LEGO Store
This LEGO rendition honors one of Van Gogh's most iconic series. Van Gogh painted several versions of sunflowers in Arles, France, a period of intense artistic productivity. He deeply connected with the sunflower, viewing it as a symbol of gratitude and a powerful artistic muse, writing to a friend: “If \[Georges\] Jeannin has the peony, \[Ernest\] Quost the hollyhock, I indeed, before others, have taken the sunflower.”
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Of the seven sunflower paintings, the fourth version (F458) from 1889, housed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, is perhaps the most renowned. This LEGO set, a collaboration between the Van Gogh Museum and LEGO, meticulously recreates F458 as a three-dimensional relief, cleverly using abstract pieces to mimic Van Gogh's distinctive brushstrokes.
The 2,615-piece set includes 34 numbered bags and an instruction booklet with a QR code linking to a podcast about Van Gogh and his inspirations. The build process is thoughtfully designed; you construct the frame first, then the canvas, finally mounting the canvas into the frame with pins—a satisfyingly authentic touch that enhances the final product's perceived value.
A delightful Easter egg mirrors a detail discovered by art experts: Van Gogh extended the canvas height with a wooden strip. The LEGO set replicates this with a separate strip added at the end—a charming, nearly imperceptible detail appreciated only by the builder, adding a layer of exclusivity and mirroring the artist's process.
While building the sunflowers might seem repetitive, this mirrors Van Gogh's meticulous approach. Take your time; this isn't a race. The wilting flowers and those depicted in profile, initially appearing abstract, beautifully come together to create a realistic and nuanced representation of the original.
The completed artwork's placement is obvious: on a wall. This set offers enduring enjoyment, long after completion. A week later, I still find myself appreciating its three-dimensional details. This is a truly exceptional LEGO set, highly recommended.
LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers, Set #31215, retails for $199.99 and contains 2615 pieces. It's available exclusively at the LEGO Store.
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