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We Build LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers, Which Contains a Hidden Surprise for Art Lovers

The first thing to note about this LEGO Art set is its impressive size. Measuring 21 inches high and 16 inches wide, it's about 60% the size of the original painting. This makes it large enough to be somewhat unwieldy to handle, yet perfect for displaying as a striking piece of art in your home.Out

By Jacob: Apr 04,2025

Out March 1### LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers

$199.99 at LEGO StoreThe dimensions and grandeur of this set underscore its significance. It's not just a playful tribute to one of the world's most renowned artworks; it's a piece designed to be hung in your living space as art. This distinction is crucial, as LEGO continues to evolve from a curiosity for adults into a respected adult hobby.

LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers

93 ImagesVincent van Gogh created his iconic series of Sunflowers while living in Arles, France, during a highly productive phase of his career. He had a deep emotional bond with the sunflower, viewing it as a symbol of gratitude. In a letter to a friend, he expressed this sentiment, saying:

"If [Georges] Jeannin has the peony, [Ernest] Quost the hollyhock, I indeed, before others, have taken the sunflower."

In August 1888, van Gogh painted four versions of sunflowers in a vase, and in January 1889, he revisited the theme, creating a repetition of the third version and two different repetitions of the fourth version.

Among these seven paintings, the fourth version and its two repetitions stand out as 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, and the other repetition (F458) – perhaps the most iconic due to its vibrant color palette and vividness – is displayed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Established in 1973, the Van Gogh Museum collaborated with LEGO to create the LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers set, which pays homage to the F458 repetition. This LEGO set is crafted as a three-dimensional relief, utilizing abstract pieces to mimic van Gogh's distinctive thick brushstrokes.

Upon opening the box, you'll find 34 numbered bags along with a printed instruction booklet that includes a QR code. Scanning this code leads to a podcast exploring van Gogh's life and the inspirations behind his work.

I found the set's practicality in real-world scenarios particularly appealing. The building process starts with constructing the frame, which I completed and leaned against the wall temporarily. Next, you build the canvas, complete with the painting.

You finalize the set by mounting the canvas into the frame and securing it with pins, which adds a personal touch reminiscent of the real-life process of art staging and presentation. This step enhances the perceived value and importance of the completed piece.

An intriguing Easter egg is hidden within the canvas construction. When studying F458, art experts discovered that van Gogh extended the canvas's height with a wooden strip at the top to give the sunflowers more space. LEGO cleverly incorporated this detail by having you build the canvas first, then attach a separate strip at the top with pins. This detail, highlighted in red in the photo below, uses brown bricks to simulate wood.

This seemingly minor detail, invisible to casual observers, adds a layer of authenticity and exclusivity for the builder. It's a nod to the trial and error that even a master artist like van Gogh experienced, and it's a secret that the builder can choose to share with others.

Building the full-bloom sunflowers can feel repetitive, but this mirrors van Gogh's meticulous approach. It's best to take breaks during the process, as this set isn't meant to be rushed. Instead, it's designed to be savored, offering value for money.

I particularly appreciated the wilting flowers and those depicted in profile. Initially, they seemed abstract, but stepping back reveals their place in the composition, showing stems and leaves in context.

One common question from other adults is, "Where do you display a LEGO set after building it?" For this set, the answer is clear: on my dining room wall. This set is perfect for those who know exactly where they'll display it. A week after completing it, I still find joy in observing it, noticing new three-dimensional details each time. This is the first standout LEGO set of 2025, and it's highly recommended.

LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers, Set #31215, retails for $199.99 and includes 2615 pieces. It is available exclusively at the LEGO Store.