Looking at ‘A Wheatfield, with Cypresses’ by van Gogh at the National Gallery
Here Christopher Riopelle, the curator at the National Gallery in London, gives a few words summarising van Gogh’s painting of a wheatfield with cypresses.
Can you answer these questions on what he says?
1 What adjective tells you Christopher Riopelle feels attracted to this painting?
2 How does he describe the essence of the picture?
3 How does he describe the trees?
4 What two adjectives describe the clouds?
5 What impression do you gain of the wind?
6 The picture is described in two ways. What are they?
7 What is the noun Christopher Riopelle uses to describe van Gogh’s interpretation or view of nature?
8 Where was van Gogh living when he painted this picture?
9 What had led to his being admitted to this institution?
10 When did van Gogh not paint?
11 When did van Gogh paint?
12 How does the curator describe the periods when van Gogh did paint?
13 Which phrase does Christopher Riopelle use to epitomise the picture?
14 What four places does the picture transport the viewer to?
15 What three factors does the speaker think everyone responds to in this picture?