The most famous painting in the Kröller-Müller Museum is Vincent van Gogh's Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, at Night (1888). The next four in this ranking are Vincent van Gogh's Haystacks in Provence (1888), Fernand Léger's Nudes in the Forest (1909–1910) and Odilon Redon's The Cyclops (1914).
The list below ranks the 13 best-known paintings of the Kröller-Müller Museum, dated 1886 to 1914, by 4 painters.
The originals
The 10 famous paintings of the Kröller-Müller Museum our artists study first
The painter, the date, the medium and the dimensions of each original, with a note from its page.
- Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, at Night by Vincent van Gogh, 1888
- Haystacks in Provence by Vincent van Gogh, 1888
- Nudes in the Forest by Fernand Léger, 1909–1910
- The Cyclops by Odilon Redon, 1914
- Willows at Sunset by Vincent van Gogh, 1888
- Sorrowing old man ( by Vincent van Gogh, 1890
- Cypress against a Starry Sky by Vincent van Gogh, 1890
- Breakfast (The Dining Room) by Paul Signac, 1887
- Old Man in Sorrow by Vincent van Gogh, 1890
- The Sower (Sower with Setting Sun) by Vincent van Gogh, 1888
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Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
1. Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, at Night by Vincent van Gogh, 1888
Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo1888Oil on canvas81 × 65 cm
Rejecting purely optical representation, he employed bold, expressive brushstrokes and an intensely personal color palette to convey not just what he saw, but how he felt. Most strikingly, the painting demonstrates Van Gogh's ambition to depict night not as a void of black, but as a richly colored experience filled with life and possibility. Created during a period of intense creativity for Van Gogh, this painting reflects his fascination with Japanese prints and their use of bold outlines and flattened perspective.
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Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
2. Haystacks in Provence by Vincent van Gogh, 1888
Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo1888Oil on canvas73 × 93 cm
During his time in Arles, Van Gogh sought refuge and inspiration in the rural landscape, hoping to establish an artist's colony. The seemingly peaceful scene is charged with a subtle melancholy, reflective of Van Gogh’s personal struggles. In Van Gogh's hands, they can also be interpreted as symbols of stability or a longing for peace – themes deeply resonant with his own search for inner tranquility.
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Fernand Léger (1881–1955)
3. Nudes in the Forest by Fernand Léger, 1909–1910
Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo1909–1910Oil on canvas120 × 170 cm
This painting isn't about what is represented, but how – a radical approach that redefined modern art. Léger presents fragmented human forms inextricably linked with the organic shapes of woodland. Nudes in the Forest exemplifies Léger's unique contribution to Cubism, often referred to as "Tubism." While sharing common ground with Picasso and Braque’s analytical cubism, Léger diverges by prioritizing cylindrical forms and a strong sense of three-dimensionality. Given its size (120 x 170 cm), allow ample wall space for optimal impact.
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Odilon Redon (1840–1916)
4. The Cyclops by Odilon Redon, 1914
Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo1914Oil65.8 × 52.7 cm
At first glance, the painting presents a deceptively tranquil scene. Yet, dominating the composition is the Cyclops himself – Polyphemus – a towering figure shrouded in shadow, his immense eye fixed upon her from behind a formidable mountain ridge. This influence is subtly reflected in “The Cyclops,” creating a sense of depth and spatial ambiguity that draws the viewer into the painting's dreamlike atmosphere. Furthermore, Redon’s exploration of Hindu and Buddhist themes—particularly the figure of Buddha—contributed to his fascination with the unseen realms of consciousness.
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Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
5. Willows at Sunset by Vincent van Gogh, 1888
Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo1888Oil32 × 35 cm
"Willows at Sunset" is a mesmerizing landscape painting that captures the essence of nature's beauty through vibrant colors and dynamic brushwork. Created in 1888 by Vincent van Gogh, this small yet powerful artwork showcases his distinctive Post-Impressionist style, characterized by bold colors, expressive lines, and thick impasto application. The painting features a horizontal layout with tall, slender cypress trees dominating the foreground. "Willows at Sunset" was created during Van Gogh's time in Arles, France, a period marked by intense creativity and experimentation.
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Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
6. Sorrowing old man ( by Vincent van Gogh, 1890
Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo1890Oil on canvas81.8 × 65.5 cm
The canvas presents "Sorrowing old man (" by Vincent van Gogh, a work that emerges from a heavy period of personal struggle. Vincent van Gogh works through the shadows of his time in Saint-Rémy, using the tools of his craft to give form to a sense of isolation. This specific composition is a modification of the 1882 drawing At Eternity’s Gate, which itself grew from a motif he had explored in Etten.
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Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
7. Cypress against a Starry Sky by Vincent van Gogh, 1890
Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo1890Oil on canvas92 × 73 cm
The scene is a vivid portrayal of rural serenity infused with dynamic movement, where the cypress’s flame-like form reaches upward, symbolizing both life and eternity. The composition balances verticality and movement, drawing the eye from the earth to the heavens in a seamless flow of energy. Created in 1890, this work exemplifies Vincent van Gogh’s distinctive Post-Impressionist style. The cypress, often associated with death and eternity, adds a contemplative layer, hinting at Van Gogh’s personal struggles and quest for meaning.
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Paul Signac (1863–1935)
8. Breakfast (The Dining Room) by Paul Signac, 1887
Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo1887Oil on canvas89 × 115 cm
The scene unfolds within the comfortably furnished dining room of a well-to-do household. Breakfast (The Dining Room) exemplifies Signac’s dedication to Neo-Impressionism and, specifically, the Pointillist technique he championed alongside Georges Seurat. The resulting texture adds depth and a unique visual rhythm, showcasing the innovative spirit of the movement. Artists like Signac sought to represent light and color with greater scientific precision, influenced by contemporary theories of optics and color perception.
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Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
9. Old Man in Sorrow by Vincent van Gogh, 1890
Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo1890Oil on canvas32 × 25 cm
Created in 1890, this powerful piece captures an elderly man lost in contemplation or despair, evoking themes of aging, loneliness, and existential reflection. This artwork exemplifies Van Gogh's Post-Impressionist style, characterized by bold colors, expressive brushwork, and a departure from realistic representation. The thick application of paint and visible brushstrokes create a tactile quality that draws viewers into the scene. The expressive brushwork and vibrant color palette make it a standout example of Van Gogh's unique artistic vision.
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Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
10. The Sower (Sower with Setting Sun) by Vincent van Gogh, 1888
Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo1888Oil on canvas64 × 81 cm
The painting centers on a solitary farmer, dramatically silhouetted against a vibrant sunset, diligently scattering seeds across a vast, freshly plowed field. Van Gogh expertly guides the viewer’s eye from the richly textured foreground – brought to life with thick impasto brushstrokes representing the earth – towards the distant horizon. "The Sower" is quintessentially Van Gogh, showcasing his signature Post-Impressionist style. Painted in 1888 during Van Gogh’s stay in Arles, France, this painting reflects his fascination with rural Provençal life.
More originals
No. 11 to No. 13: more famous paintings in the Kröller-Müller Museum
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11. Peach Trees in Blossom
Vincent van Gogh · 1888
Oil on canvas · 60 × 81 cm
Thick, visible brushstrokes and a loose, almost sketch-like application of paint characterize his Post-Impressionist approach. This period marked a significant shift in Van Gogh's style, as he embraced brighter colors and more expressive forms, influenced by Japanese woodblock prints and the Impressionist movement.
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12. Bowl with Peonies and Roses
Vincent van Gogh · 1886
Oil on canvas · 59 × 71 cm
The flowers spill from a simple vase, creating a sense of abundance and natural exuberance. Created during his Parisian period, this painting reflects Van Gogh's exposure to Impressionism and Japanese woodblock prints, which influenced his use of color and composition.
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13. Peach Tree in Blossom
Vincent van Gogh · 1888
Oil on canvas · 73 × 60 cm
Created during Van Gogh's prolific period in Arles, France, "Peach Tree in Blossom" reflects his deep appreciation for the natural world. Van Gogh's use of cool tones—blues, whites, and light purples—contrasts beautifully with the warm pinks and oranges of the blossoms, creating a harmonious balance that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant.
The collection in figures
The originals of the Kröller-Müller Museum in our catalogue
345 originals of the Kröller-Müller Museum — paintings and works on paper — century by century
The originals in figures
- 13 originals, ranked by fame, 4 painters of the originals, Vincent van Gogh to Odilon Redon.
- Painters with the most originals here: Vincent van Gogh (10), Fernand Léger (1), Odilon Redon (1).
- Vincent van Gogh's Bowl with Peonies and Roses (1886) – Odilon Redon's The Cyclops (1914).
- Fernand Léger's Nudes in the Forest (1909–1910), 120 × 170 cm – Vincent van Gogh's Old Man in Sorrow (1890), 32 × 25 cm.
- 347 originals of the Kröller-Müller Museum in our catalogue: 345 paintings and works on paper by 61 artists, 1524–1932.
The countries the painters of the Kröller-Müller Museum came from
The painters with the most originals at the Kröller-Müller Museum
Questions to the studio
Questions about the originals of the Kröller-Müller Museum
Open a question to read our answer.
What is the most famous painting in the Kröller-Müller Museum?
No. 1 in the Kröller-Müller Museum is Vincent van Gogh's Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, at Night (1888). Next come Vincent van Gogh's Haystacks in Provence (1888), Fernand Léger's Nudes in the Forest (1909–1910) and Odilon Redon's The Cyclops (1914).
What are the five best-known paintings in the Kröller-Müller Museum?
In order: Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, at Night by Vincent van Gogh, Haystacks in Provence by Vincent van Gogh, Nudes in the Forest by Fernand Léger, The Cyclops by Odilon Redon and Willows at Sunset by Vincent van Gogh.
Are there any Vincent van Gogh paintings in the Kröller-Müller Museum?
Vincent van Gogh has 10 paintings in this ranking — Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, at Night (No. 1), Haystacks in Provence (No. 2), Willows at Sunset (No. 5), Sorrowing old man ( (No. 6), Cypress against a Starry Sky (No. 7), Old Man in Sorrow (No. 9), The Sower (Sower with Setting Sun) (No. 10), Peach Trees in Blossom (No. 11), Bowl with Peonies and Roses (No. 12) and Peach Tree in Blossom (No. 13) — and 177 records in our catalogue of the Kröller-Müller Museum.
Are there any Fernand Léger paintings in the Kröller-Müller Museum?
Fernand Léger has 1 paintings in this ranking — Nudes in the Forest (No. 3) — and 4 records in our catalogue of the Kröller-Müller Museum.
How many Odilon Redon paintings are in the Kröller-Müller Museum?
Odilon Redon has 1 paintings in this ranking — The Cyclops (No. 4) — and 7 records in our catalogue of the Kröller-Müller Museum.
Which ten paintings should I see at the Kröller-Müller Museum?
In order: Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, at Night (Vincent van Gogh), Haystacks in Provence (Vincent van Gogh), Nudes in the Forest (Fernand Léger), The Cyclops (Odilon Redon), Willows at Sunset (Vincent van Gogh), Sorrowing old man ( (Vincent van Gogh), Cypress against a Starry Sky (Vincent van Gogh), Breakfast (The Dining Room) (Paul Signac), Old Man in Sorrow (Vincent van Gogh) and The Sower (Sower with Setting Sun) (Vincent van Gogh).
Where is the Kröller-Müller Museum?
The Kröller-Müller Museum is in Otterlo, Netherlands. Our catalogue lists 347 of its works by 61 artists, dated 1524 to 1932; the 13 paintings of this ranking are all in its collection.
Which three works is the Kröller-Müller Museum most famous for?
The highlights of the Kröller-Müller Museum are the Second-largest Van Gogh collection, the Sculpture garden and the Works by Monet, Picasso, and Mondrian, followed by its other highlights.
Which is the earliest painting of this ranking?
The earliest is Vincent van Gogh's Bowl with Peonies and Roses (1886) (1886); the latest, Odilon Redon's The Cyclops (1914) (1914).
Which of these paintings is the biggest?
The biggest is Fernand Léger's Nudes in the Forest (1909–1910) at 120 × 170 cm; the smallest, Vincent van Gogh's Old Man in Sorrow (1890) at 32 × 25 cm.
How is this ranking made?
By recognition: Wikipedia articles in the most languages (Wikidata sitelinks), our manual ranking and page visits, over the paintings of the Kröller-Müller Museum in our catalogue. Several records of one painting count once; details, copies and studies are excluded.
The house of the originals
The Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo: history and collections of the originals
The Kröller-Müller Museum (KMM, Kröller-Müller State Museum, Rijksmuseum Kröller-Müller) — museum — in Otterlo, Netherlands. Its highlights: Second-largest Van Gogh collection, Sculpture garden, Works by Monet, Picasso, and Mondrian. Our catalogue lists 345 of its paintings and works on paper, by 61 artists, dated 1524 to 1932.
Origins and History of the Museum
The institution was established within the extensive grounds of the former estate belonging to Helene and her husband, Anton Kröller. It opened to the public on 13 July 1938, creating a permanent home for a collection built through decades of careful acquisition. The site remains deeply connected to the landscape of the Hoge Veluwe National Park. History has left its mark on the museum's walls through the complexities of the twentieth century. During the occupation of the Netherlands in World War II, the museum's history became linked to the Dutch resistance. This period of conflict added a layer of quiet resilience to the estate.
The Architecture and Modern Design
The museum building, designed by the Belgian architect Henry van de Velde, exists in a quiet dialogue with the surrounding Hoge Veluwe National Park. Constructed primarily from concrete and glass, the structure reflects the starkness of the Dutch landscape. In 1977, the museum expanded with a new exhibition wing designed by Wim Quist. This addition continues the architectural narrative of the site, providing further space for the collection. The interplay between the original Henry van de Velde structure and the later Quist wing allows for a varied experience of volume and light. The architecture does not attempt to dominate the forest but rather provides a controlled setting for the presence of the works held within.
The World-Renowned Van Gogh Collection
It holds the second-largest collection of his works globally, providing a space where his presence is felt through the sheer volume of his output. The holdings include nearly ninety paintings and over one hundred eighty drawings, allowing for a close study of his evolving hand. Certain canvases possess a specific weight when encountered in person. Café Terrace at Night offers a palpable sense of Parisian atmosphere through its particular hues. Nearby, the haunting intensity of Sorrowing Old Man (At Eternity’s Gate) presents a portrait of vulnerability and existential questioning. The collection includes several significant pieces: Café Terrace at Night, 1888 Sorrowing Old Man (At Eternity’s Gate), 1890 Haystacks in Provence, 1888 the Sower (Sower with Setting Sun), 1888
The Expansive Sculpture Garden
The sculpture garden extends across more than 75 acres within the Hoge Veluwe National Park. It is one of the largest of its kind in Europe, creating a space where art and the natural landscape of Otterlo, Netherlands, exist in a quiet symbiosis. Between 160 and 200 sculptures are placed along interconnected pathways, allowing the works to interact with the surrounding forest and light. The collection features the heavy, grounded forms of Auguste Rodin and Henry Moore. These presences sit amidst the trees, their textures responding to the shifting shadows of the canopy. The garden also holds the experimental works of Jean Dubuffet and the structural, industrial presence of Mark di Suvero. In other corners, the playful, large-scale forms of Claes Oldenburg and the spatial interventions of Lucio Fontana emerge from the greenery. Each piece is positioned to respond to the specific topography of the park. K-piece (1972) by Mark di Suvero Floating Sculpture, Otterlo by Marta Pan
Exhibitions and Contemporary Programs
These rotating displays ensure the institution keeps pace with contemporary developments, offering fresh perspectives on the permanent collection. One such current exhibition, Between Worlds, examines the intersection of art and nature, a theme deeply rooted in the museum's setting within the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Looking toward the future, the exhibition Lilian Kreutzberger. Rauhfaser promises to examine the work of this contemporary artist. The reach of the museum's curation extends beyond its own walls. the National Gallery, London, hosted Radical Harmony: Helene Kröller-Müller's Neo-Impressionists from 13 September 2025 to 8 February 2026. This exhibition focused on specific works from the collection, highlighting the historical significance of the pieces gathered by Helene Kröller-Müller.
5 facts about the home of the originals
- In which national park is the Kröller-Müller Museum located?Hoge Veluwe National Park
- Who was the founder of the Kröller-Müller Museum?Helene Kröller-Müller
- The museum holds the world's second-largest collection of works by which artist?Vincent van Gogh
- Who designed the museum's building?Henry van de Velde
- The sculpture garden is described as being located within which area?A vast expanse of the national park
The Kröller-Müller Museum: every original we catalogueThe museums of Otterlo
To read
Three articles on the originals and their painters
How the originals are ranked
The originals of the Kröller-Müller Museum in our catalogue are ranked by fame: the Wikipedia language editions that describe the painting, our studio's ranking and the visits to its page on OriginalUniqueArt.com. One entry per original, counted in our catalogue and not in the museum's inventory, without details, copies, studies, sculptures or works on paper; every date, dimension and medium is the catalogue's, and the notes are drawn from the painting's description.
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