The first thing to know about the LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers set is its impressive size. Measuring 21 inches high and 16 inches wide, it's approximately 60% the size of the original painting and large enough to be unwieldy when picking it up. This set is not just a playful homage to one of the world's most famous artworks; it's designed to be taken seriously as a piece of art itself. It's meant to be displayed in your living space, highlighting LEGO's transition from an adult curiosity to a respected adult hobby.
LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers
$199.99 at LEGO Store
Vincent van Gogh's iconic Sunflowers series was painted during his time in Arles, France, a period marked by prolific creativity. Van Gogh felt a profound emotional connection to the sunflower, viewing it as a symbol of gratitude and using it as an artistic muse. He famously stated 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, he completed four versions of sunflowers in a vase, and revisited the motif in January 1889 with repetitions of the third and fourth versions.
Of these seven paintings, the fourth version and its two repetitions are the most celebrated. The original fourth version (F454) is showcased at the National Gallery in London, England. One repetition (F457) can be seen at the Sompo Museum of Art in Tokyo, Japan, while the other (F458), known for its vibrant color composition, is displayed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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The Van Gogh Museum, established in 1973, collaborated with LEGO to bring the F458 repetition to life through the LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers set. This set is a three-dimensional relief that uses abstract pieces to mimic van Gogh's distinctive thick brushstrokes.
Upon opening the box, you'll find 34 numbered bags and 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 building process is practical and engaging. You start by constructing the painting's frame, which can be leaned against a wall while you work on the canvas. The canvas, complete with the painting, is then mounted into the frame and secured with pins, adding a personal touch that mimics the staging and presentation of real art, enhancing the set's perceived value and importance.
An intriguing Easter egg is hidden within the canvas construction. Art experts noted that van Gogh extended the height of the F458 canvas with a wooden strip during the painting process to give the sunflowers more room. LEGO cleverly replicates this detail by having you build the canvas and then attach a separate strip at the top with pins, using brown bricks to simulate wood.
This subtle detail, visible only to the builder, adds a layer of exclusivity and a sense of shared experience with van Gogh's creative process. It's a reminder of the trial and error that even masters undergo, making the build even more special.
Constructing the full-bloom sunflowers can be a bit tedious, yet it's a necessary part of achieving such a realistic look. The repetition mirrors van Gogh's meticulous approach to his work. Taking breaks during the build process is advisable; this isn't a set to rush through. Instead, savor the experience and enjoy the journey.
The wilting flowers and those depicted in profile rather than head-on were particularly enjoyable to build. Initially, they seemed abstract, but stepping back reveals how these elements fit into the larger picture, transforming seemingly random pieces into stems and leaves.
A common question among adults is, "Where do you display a completed LEGO set?" For this set, the answer is clear: on my dining room wall. This set's intended display location is part of its appeal. You can look forward to seeing it in your space, and it continues to offer enjoyment long after completion. A week after finishing it, I still find new details to appreciate.
The LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers, Set #31215, retails for $199.99 and comprises 2615 pieces. It is available exclusively at the LEGO Store.
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