LEGO Van Gogh Sunflowers: Hidden Art Surprise Unveiled

This LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers set is substantial, measuring 21 inches high and 16 inches wide—roughly 60% the size of the original painting. Its impressive scale signifies a serious artistic tribute, intended not just for display, but for genuine appreciation as a piece of art in its own right. This reflects LEGO's ongoing transition from a children's toy to a sophisticated adult hobby.

LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers

Out March 1

$199.99 at LEGO Store

LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers

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Vincent van Gogh created his iconic Sunflowers series during his prolific Arles period. He deeply connected with the sunflower, viewing it as a symbol of gratitude and artistic inspiration. In a letter, he wrote: “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, later revisiting the motif in January 1889 with additional repetitions. The most renowned are the fourth version and its two repetitions. The original (F454) resides at London's National Gallery, one repetition (F457) at Tokyo's Sompo Museum of Art, and the arguably most iconic (F458), known for its vibrant colors, is housed at Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum.

Partnering with LEGO, the Van Gogh Museum (established in 1973) presents this LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers set, a three-dimensional interpretation of F458. Abstract LEGO pieces cleverly mimic van Gogh's distinctive brushstrokes.

The 34 numbered bags and instruction booklet (including a QR code linking to a van Gogh podcast) guide the build. The construction process begins with the frame, followed by the canvas, culminating in mounting the canvas within the frame using pins—a satisfyingly realistic touch that enhances the set's perceived value.

A delightful Easter egg mirrors a detail discovered by art experts: van Gogh extended F458's canvas height with a wooden strip. The LEGO set cleverly replicates this with a separate strip attached with pins, using brown bricks to simulate wood. This subtle detail, invisible to most, adds a layer of enjoyment for the builder, offering a sense of exclusivity and mirroring the artist's own process.

Building the sunflowers is somewhat repetitive, reflecting van Gogh's meticulous approach. However, the result is strikingly convincing. The wilting flowers and varied perspectives, initially appearing random, create a cohesive whole upon closer examination. This isn't a set for speed-building; enjoy the process and appreciate the detail.

The set's ultimate destination is clear: a wall. This makes it a highly satisfying build, offering lasting enjoyment long after completion. A week later, I still find myself appreciating its three-dimensional details. This is a superb LEGO set, highly recommended for its artistry and build experience.

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

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