Current exhibition

New exhibition 'From Potato to app' on display in the Vincentre from 10 February 2012.

Exhibition about The Potato Eaters






Vincent van Gogh completed his first world-famous painting in Nuenen. That was in 1885. Those times are now brought back to life in the Vincentre museum in Nuenen. A special exhibition shows why Van Gogh so wanted to make this painting, how he made use of colour, who his models were, and what has happened to the painting in its long life. iPads are available to try out the 'Explore Vincent' app.
The cottage where the de Groot family models lived can still be seen a 5 minute walk away. In the middle of the Brabant countryside, close to the windmill. As though time has stood still.

Only after dozens of exercises of faces and hands plus two preliminary versions did Van Gogh's third painting become a reality. He signed it and sent it to his brother Theo as a birthday present. He also hoped that Theo would bring it to the attention of art critics and dealers, with a view to selling it.

The De Groot family
The idea behind The Potato Eaters came about one evening when Vincent was walking past the De Groot family's cottage. They were just sitting down at the table under a lamp to eat their potatoes.

The potato eaters lived in a hut with two front doors and a shared chimney, forming two dwellings. The De Groot family lived in one of them.

The 'first version' of the painting is a sketch with only four people. It gives an impression of the atmosphere inside the dwelling with the curious effects of the glowing paraffin lamp and the long shadows on the walls. Vincent was inspired by Rembrandt who worked a lot with the dramatic effects of light and shade. The fifth figure appeared in the 'second version'. The accent was then put on the eating of potatoes and the pouring of coffee. Vincent also added signs of domesticity. The interior gained a window, a door and a bedstead. The table was covered with a linen cloth, a clog with kitchen implements and a clock.

The 'third version' was ready at the beginning of May, measuring 82 cm by 114 cm and signed by Vincent on the back of the chair. The painting is made up of 7 layers of paint. He used warm and cool colours in a sophisticated way to increase the dramatic effect. The dark interior emphasises the poverty and hardship of peasant life. Darkness that still has colour.

Why is it so popular?
Because of the potatoes? Because of the peasant figures?  Because it is such a dark painting? Because it portrays a simple meal?  Or because some people find it so ugly they feel the need to react? Eating a meal together is very familiar to all of us, whether it be in conditions of poverty or splendour.

The Potato Eaters' popularity can be seen in the long list of exhibitions throughout the world.

The exhibition in Nuenen gains an extra dimension with iPads and the 'Explore Vincent' app. This app explains everything about Vincent van Gogh's life. From his childhood years in Zundert, his school days in Tilburg, the start of his artistic career in Etten-Leur to his failed love affairs and artistic 'explosion' in Nuenen and his stays in many other places at home and abroad.

Outdoor Museum
There are 14 locations on show in Nuenen that were painted or drawn by Vincent van Gogh. The cottage of the De Groot family is one of these. It is in the vicinity of the Roosdonck Windmill. A lovely piece of Brabant where the peasant life of 125 years ago is still tangible.

View the brochure: The Potato Eaters.pdf

Watch a recording (in Dutch) of the opening of the exhibition: Opening expo From Potato to app

Vincentre: Check here for opening times and Check here for entry prices

Watch below: Trailer of the de Groot family 6 generations of potato eaters.

The Vincentre is open throughout the year on the following days:

Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 : open
Easter Sunday and Monday - 8 and 9 April 2012: open
Whitsun Sunday and Monday - 27 and 28 May 2012: open

And closed on the following days:  

Every Monday

Carnival (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday before Lent) - 19/02-21/02/2012
Tuesday 11/09/2012 (for reasons of maintenance)
Christmas Eve 24/12/2012
Christmas Day and Boxing Day - 25-26/12/2012
New Year's Eve 31/12/2012
New Year's Day - 1/01/2013

Visitor address:
Berg 29, 5671 CA Nuenen, The Netherlands

Planning your trip by public transport from your NL address to Berg 29 Nuenen, click here: journeyplanner.9292.nl 

Accessibilty:
The Vincentre is wheelchair accessible.
The exhibits on the second and third floor are accessible by lift.