XRF of Vincent van Gogh's "Irises" (detail), 1889, Vincent van Gogh. Oil on canvas. Getty Museum
Ultra-Violet: New Light on Van Gogh’s Irises
Oct
1
2024
Oct
12
2024
Jan
19
2025

Examine Getty's much-loved painting, Irises by Van Gogh, from the perspective of modern conservation science. This exhibition shows how Van Gogh’s understanding of light and color informed his painting practice and allows visitors to explore how conservators and scientists working together can harness the power of light with analytical tools to uncover the artist’s materials and working methods. The exhibition reveals how light has irrevocably changed some of the colors in Irises. A painting we thought we knew so well has suddenly become quite unfamiliar.

XRF of Vincent van Gogh's "Irises" (detail), 1889, Vincent van Gogh. Oil on canvas. Getty Museum.

Free with reservation

Getty Center

1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles

TUE-FRI:10am-5:30pm
SAT:10am-8pm
SUN:10am-5:30pm
MON:CLOSED

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