LEGO Unveils Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers with Hidden Art Surprise

The first thing you'll notice about this impressive LEGO Art set is its size. It measures a substantial 21 inches high and 16 inches wide, which translates to approximately 60% of the original painting's dimensions. This size makes it large enough to command attention, yet unwieldy to handle, emphasizing its significance as a piece of art.

LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers

Available for $199.99 at the LEGO Store, this set is not just a playful tribute to one of the world's most iconic artworks. It's designed to be displayed in your home as art, marking LEGO's continued evolution from a mere adult curiosity to a serious adult hobby.

Vincent van Gogh, during his time in Arles, France, painted his renowned series of Sunflowers, marking a prolific period in his career. He cherished a profound emotional bond with the sunflower, viewing it as a symbol of gratitude and an artistic muse. As van Gogh himself wrote in a letter to a friend:

"If [Georges] Jeannin has the peony, [Ernest] Quost the hollyhock, I indeed, before others, have taken the sunflower."

In August 1888, van Gogh created four versions of sunflowers in a vase, and in January 1889, he revisited this theme, producing a repetition of the third version and two different repetitions of the fourth.

Among these seven artworks, the fourth version and its two repetitions stand out as the most celebrated. The original fourth version (F454) is showcased at the National Gallery in London, England. One repetition (F457) graces the Sompo Museum of Art in Tokyo, Japan, while the other repetition (F458) — notable for its vibrant colors and iconic composition — is displayed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Established in 1973, the Van Gogh Museum collaborated with LEGO to launch the LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers set, a tribute to the F458 repetition. This set is designed as a three-dimensional relief, utilizing abstract pieces to mimic van Gogh's characteristic thick brushstrokes.

Upon opening the box, you'll find 34 numbered bags along with a printed instruction booklet that includes a QR code. Scanning this code leads to a podcast exploring van Gogh's inspirations and artistic journey.

The build process is thoughtfully designed with real-world practicality in mind. Initially, you construct the painting's frame, which can be leaned against a wall as you progress. Following this, you assemble the canvas with the painting, which is then mounted into the frame and secured with pins. This mimics the staging and presentation of actual artwork, enhancing the set's perceived value and importance.

A delightful Easter egg is hidden within the canvas's construction. Art experts noted that van Gogh extended the canvas height with a wooden strip during the painting of F458 to give the sunflowers ample space. LEGO cleverly replicates this detail by having you attach a separate strip at the top with pins. This subtle touch, marked in red in the photo below, uses brown bricks to simulate wood.

This seemingly trivial detail adds a layer of authenticity and exclusivity to the build, known only to the builder, reflecting the trials of a master artist. It's a personal touch that enhances the builder's experience and connection to the artwork.

Building the full-bloom sunflowers may feel repetitive, but it mirrors van Gogh's meticulous approach to his work. Take breaks to savor the process — this isn't a set to rush through. The wilting flowers and those shown in profile initially seem abstract but come together beautifully when viewed from a distance.

A common query among adult LEGO enthusiasts is where to display their completed sets. For this Sunflowers piece, the answer is clear: it's destined for your dining room wall. Knowing exactly where it will go adds to the anticipation and enjoyment long after the build is complete. A week post-completion, the set continues to delight with its three-dimensional details.

This LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers set, numbered 31215, consists of 2615 pieces and retails for $199.99. It is available exclusively at the LEGO Store.

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