This LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers set is substantial: 21 inches high and 16 inches wide—about 60% the size of the original painting. Its size makes it a statement piece, not just a toy. This isn't simply a LEGO recreation; it's intended to be displayed as art, reflecting LEGO's ongoing transformation from adult novelty to a serious hobby.

LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers (Out March 1)

$199.99 at LEGO Store

LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers

Van Gogh's famous Sunflowers series, painted during his prolific Arles period, held deep personal significance. He viewed the sunflower as a symbol of gratitude, writing to a friend: "If [Georges] Jeannin has the peony, [Ernest] Quost the hollyhock, I indeed, before others, have taken the sunflower."

He painted four versions in August 1888, revisiting the motif in January 1889 with additional repetitions. The most renowned are the fourth version and its two repetitions. The original is at London's National Gallery; one repetition resides in Tokyo's Sompo Museum of Art; and the most iconic, due to its vibrant colors, is at Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum. This LEGO set, a collaboration between the Van Gogh Museum (established 1973) and LEGO, recreates this iconic version (F458) as a three-dimensional relief, cleverly using abstract pieces to mimic Van Gogh's distinctive brushstrokes.

The 2,615-piece set includes 34 numbered bags and instructions with a QR code linking to a podcast about Van Gogh. The build is thoughtfully structured. You first construct the frame, then the canvas, finally mounting the canvas into the frame with pins—a satisfyingly realistic process that adds to the set's overall feel of quality and importance.

A delightful Easter egg is included: a subtle replication of a wooden strip Van Gogh added to the top of his canvas. LEGO cleverly mirrors this in the build, using brown bricks for authenticity. This hidden detail, invisible to casual observers, provides a unique builder experience and a sense of accomplishment.

The sunflower construction, while somewhat repetitive, accurately reflects Van Gogh's meticulous process. Take your time; this isn't a race. The wilting flowers and those depicted in profile add surprising depth and complexity, initially appearing abstract but revealing their purpose upon stepping back.

The completed artwork's destination is clear: my dining room wall. This set’s appeal lies in its transformability from a build to a cherished piece of art that continues to reward with new details upon repeated viewing. This is a fantastic LEGO set, highly recommended.

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

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