Butterflies | Van Gogh series, 1889-1890

In May 1889, Van Gogh began work on Green Peacock Moth which he self-titled Death's Head Moth.

The moth, called death's head, is a rarely seen nocturnal moth.

He described the large moth's colors "of amazing distinction, black, grey, cloudy white tinged with carmine or vaguely shading off into olive green".

Behind the moth is a background of Lords-and-Ladies.

Vincent van Gogh | Emperor moth, 1889 (detail) | Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

The size of the moth and plants in the background pull the spectator into the work.

The colors are vivid, consistent with Van Gogh's passion and emotional intensity.

Van Gogh Museum's title for this work is Emperor Moth.

Vincent van Gogh | Poppies and Butterflies, 1889

When Van Gogh made Butterflies and Poppies he started with the flowers and butterflies and filled in the blue background only afterwards.

This is clear from the fact that the broad strokes of blue paint occasionally cover the green stems of the flowers.

Van Gogh even left part of the canvas unpainted, with the bare cloth visible.

Vincent van Gogh | Poppies and Butterflies, 1889 | Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Using various shades of green, he gave depth to the tangle of stems, leaves and petals. Van Gogh skilfully captured the spirit of the delicate poppies.

Some of the buds are about to burst open. | Source: © Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Vincent van Gogh | Long Grass with Butterflies, 1890

Vincent van Gogh | Long Grass with Butterflies, 1890 (detail) | National Gallery London

London's National Gallery painting Long Grass with Butterflies, also called Meadow in the Garden of Saint-Paul Hospital, is a view of an abandoned garden with tall unkempt grass and weeds on the asylum grounds.

The work was made towards the end of his stay in Saint-Rémy.

Vincent van Gogh | Grass with Butterflies, 1890 (detail) | National Gallery London

Vincent van Gogh | Long Grass with Butterflies, 1890 | National Gallery London