L’Arlésienne, Vincent Van Gogh

From March 14 to May 11, 2025, Palazzo Citterio will host an extraordinary work, L’Arlésienne (Portrait of M.me Ginoux) by Vincent Van Gogh, from the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome. The exhibition inaugurates the new cycle “The Guest,” which will bring masterpieces on loan from prestigious international institutions to the museum’s halls.

Painted in February 1890, a few months before Van Gogh’s death, L’Arlésienne depicts Marie Ginoux, owner of the Café de la Gare in Arles, a central figure in the life of the artist and his friend Paul Gauguin. Van Gogh paints her with quick, decisive brushstrokes, conveying an intense emotional charge. Her sweet, pensive face, resting on her left hand, expresses deep melancholy, while the books on the table – Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Charles Dickens’ The Christmas Tales – allude to the values of empathy and sensitivity that the artist attributed to her.

This portrait differs from earlier versions in its lighter coloring and more subdued expression, a sign of an inner reflection that emerges powerfully during the months Van Gogh spent in the Saint-Rémy asylum. Here the artist rethinks the bonds of his life and reworks his emotions through painting.

The arrival of The Arlesiana at Palazzo Citterio is an exceptional opportunity to immerse oneself in the universe of Van Gogh and to discover a work that embodies the torment and sensitivity of the Dutch master. The exhibition is not only a tribute to one of the most beloved artists of all time, but also a reflection on the importance of museum lending as a tool for dialogue between institutions and the public.

The exhibition fits into the vision of Palazzo Citterio as a living and dynamic space, capable of hosting masterpieces by international artists and offering the public unique and immersive experiences. “The Guest” is not just a series of exhibitions, but an invitation to learn about, explore and rediscover great art.