Ask for the most famous painting in the Van Gogh Museum and you will hear of Vincent van Gogh's Skull with Burning Cigarette (1886) — then of Vincent van Gogh's The Potato Eaters (1885), Vincent van Gogh's Van Gogh's Bedroom in Arles (1888) and Vincent van Gogh's The Street (1888).
Below, the 13 paintings of the Van Gogh Museum that are most widely known — painted from 1885 to 1890 by 1 painters — with their date, medium and size.
The originals
The 10 famous paintings of the Van Gogh Museum our artists study first
The painter, the date, the medium and the dimensions of each original, with a note from its page.
- Skull with Burning Cigarette by Vincent van Gogh, 1886
- The Potato Eaters by Vincent van Gogh, 1885
- Van Gogh's Bedroom in Arles by Vincent van Gogh, 1888
- The Street by Vincent van Gogh, 1888
- Wheatfield with Crows by Vincent van Gogh, 1890
- Almond Tree in Blossom by Vincent van Gogh, 1888
- Branches with Almond Blossom by Vincent van Gogh, 1890
- Tree Roots by Vincent van Gogh, 1890
- Fishing boats on the Beach at Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer by Vincent van Gogh, 1888
- Agostina Segatori in the Café du Tambourin by Vincent van Gogh, 1887
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Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
1. Skull with Burning Cigarette by Vincent van Gogh, 1886
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam1886Oil on canvas32 × 25 cm
Executed in Van Gogh’s emerging Post-Impressionist style, the painting showcases his characteristic expressive brushwork and bold application of paint – an early example of the impasto technique he would later master. “Skull with Burning Cigarette” firmly places itself within the vanitas tradition—a genre popular in Dutch Golden Age painting that uses symbolic objects to remind viewers of the transience of life, the inevitability of death, and the futility of worldly pleasures.
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Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
2. The Potato Eaters by Vincent van Gogh, 1885
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam1885Oil on canvas82 × 114 cm
Van Gogh deliberately eschewed romanticized depictions of rural life, instead choosing to represent the harsh realities faced by working families. Even the act of pouring coffee, performed by the central female figure, suggests not only nourishment but also care and emotional support within the familial unit.
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Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
3. Van Gogh's Bedroom in Arles by Vincent van Gogh, 1888
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam1888Oil on canvas72 × 90 cm
It offers an extraordinarily intimate glimpse into the artist’s private world – a space conceived as a haven, yet imbued with underlying emotional currents. Central to the artwork’s impact is Van Gogh's signature impasto technique – applying paint in thick, visible layers. The two chairs – one yellow, one green – are often interpreted as representing Van Gogh himself and a hoped-for companion, most likely Paul Gauguin. 72 x 90 cm Date: 1888
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Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
4. The Street by Vincent van Gogh, 1888
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam1888Oil on canvas72 × 92 cm
This piece exemplifies Van Gogh's pivotal role in the Post- Impressionist movement. Departing from Impressionism’s focus on fleeting moments of light, Van Gogh employed bold colors and expressive brushstrokes to convey his subjective experience of reality. Notably, the painting showcases “The Yellow House,” where Van Gogh hoped to establish an artist’s colony with Paul Gauguin. The swirling sky echoes the turbulence within Van Gogh’s own mind, while the illuminated buildings suggest hope and warmth amidst darkness.
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Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
5. Wheatfield with Crows by Vincent van Gogh, 1890
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam1890Oil on canvas50 × 103 cm
A striking pathway cuts through the expanse, drawing the viewer’s eye towards an ambiguous horizon. Wheatfield with Crows exemplifies Van Gogh’s signature Post-Impressionist style. Painted in July 1890, shortly before Van Gogh’s tragic death, this work has long been associated with his final days. While recent scholarship suggests Tree Roots was likely his last painting, Wheatfield with Crows remains powerfully linked to his emotional state at the time. 50 x 103 cm Date: 1890
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Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
6. Almond Tree in Blossom by Vincent van Gogh, 1888
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam1888Oil on canvas48 × 35 cm
"Almond Tree in Blossom" captures the fleeting beauty of nature's renewal, showcasing a vibrant almond tree in full bloom against a serene landscape. Painted in 1888, this artwork exemplifies Vincent van Gogh's distinctive style. Van Gogh's Post-Impressionist approach emphasizes personal expression over realistic representation, resulting in a painting that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant. Created during Van Gogh's time in Arles, France, "Almond Tree in Blossom" reflects his fascination with the natural world and his desire to capture its essence on canvas.
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Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
7. Branches with Almond Blossom by Vincent van Gogh, 1890
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam1890Oil on canvas74 × 92 cm
Vincent van Gogh's "Branches with Almond Blossom" (1890) is a vibrant and dynamic depiction of an almond tree in full bloom against a vivid blue sky. Painted in 1890, "Branches with Almond Blossom" reflects Van Gogh's deep appreciation for nature and his ability to convey its beauty through art. Whether displayed in a home or office, "Branches with Almond Blossom" brings a sense of optimism and beauty to any space.
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Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
8. Tree Roots by Vincent van Gogh, 1890
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam1890Oil on canvas50 × 100 cm
The composition is dominated by a dense network of tree roots and trunks, rendered with an almost claustrophobic intensity. Unlike traditional landscape paintings that emphasize open vistas, “Tree Roots” draws the viewer into the earth itself. “Tree Roots” exemplifies Van Gogh's signature Post-Impressionist style. Painted in the last months of his life, “Tree Roots” is often considered one of Van Gogh’s final works before his tragic death. Having recently left the asylum at Saint-Rémy, he sought solace and inspiration in the countryside near Paris.
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Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
9. Fishing boats on the Beach at Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer by Vincent van Gogh, 1888
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam1888Oil on canvas65 × 82 cm
Vincent van Gogh's "Fishing Boats on the Beach at Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer" captures the tranquil beauty of a Mediterranean fishing village. The painting features a rich and varied color palette dominated by earthy tones such as browns, greens, and blues. Van Gogh's Post-Impressionist style is evident in this artwork through his bold colors, expressive brushwork, and focus on personal emotion. Created in 1888 during Van Gogh's stay in Arles, this painting is part of a series inspired by his trip to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.
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Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
10. Agostina Segatori in the Café du Tambourin by Vincent van Gogh, 1887
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam1887Oil on canvas55.5 × 46.5 cm
At the center of the composition sits Agostina Segatori, an Italian model and the owner of the Café du Tambourin, a popular Montmartre establishment. Painted during Van Gogh’s Parisian period, this work demonstrates his absorption of Impressionist principles while simultaneously forging a path toward his signature Post- Impressionistic style. The painting also marks a transition for Van Gogh; he was moving away from the darker palettes of his Dutch period towards brighter, more expressive colors.
More originals
No. 11 to No. 13: more famous paintings in the Van Gogh Museum
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11. Roses and Beetle
Vincent van Gogh · 1890
Oil on canvas · 33 × 24 cm
Van Gogh's Post-Impressionist style is evident in the bold brushstrokes and expressive use of color. Unlike the Impressionists who focused on capturing fleeting moments of light, Van Gogh sought to convey his emotional response to the world around him.
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12. Still Life with Bible
Vincent van Gogh · 1885
Oil on canvas · 78 × 65 cm
This evocative work features an open book resting on a wooden surface, illuminated by the soft glow of a candle. Still Life with Bible is a remarkable example of Van Gogh's early work, showcasing his evolving style and technique.
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13. Crab on Its Back
Vincent van Gogh · 1889
Oil on canvas · 47 × 38 cm
Painted in 1889, this artwork features a crab lying on its back against a vibrant green background, creating a striking contrast that draws the viewer's attention. Van Gogh's distinctive Post-Impressionist style is evident in this painting through his use of thick, visible brushstrokes that create a textured surface.
The collection in figures
The originals of the Van Gogh Museum in our catalogue
389 originals of the Van Gogh Museum — paintings and works on paper — century by century
The originals in figures
- 13 originals, ranked by fame, 1 painters of the originals, Vincent van Gogh to Vincent van Gogh.
- Painters with the most originals here: Vincent van Gogh (13).
- Vincent van Gogh's The Potato Eaters (1885) – Vincent van Gogh's Wheatfield with Crows (1890).
- Vincent van Gogh's The Potato Eaters (1885), 82 × 114 cm – Vincent van Gogh's Roses and Beetle (1890), 33 × 24 cm.
- 390 originals of the Van Gogh Museum in our catalogue: 389 paintings and works on paper by 53 artists, 1841–1919.
The countries the painters of the Van Gogh Museum came from
The painters with the most originals at the Van Gogh Museum
Two museums
The Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum: two collections of originals
The Van Gogh Museum
- Originals in our catalogue
- 390
- Painted between
- 1841 – 1919, most from the 19th century
- Most famous originals
- Skull with Burning Cigarette, The Potato Eaters, Van Gogh's Bedroom in Arles
- Most originals by
- Vincent Van Gogh, Émile Bernard, Paul Gauguin
The Rijksmuseum
- Originals in our catalogue
- 4,597
- Painted between
- 1300 – 1951, most from the 17th century
- Most famous originals
- Night Watch, The Milkmaid, The Little Street
- Most originals by
- Jean-Baptiste van Mour, George Hendrik Breitner, Jacob Maris
Questions to the studio
Questions about the originals of the Van Gogh Museum
Open a question to read our answer.
What is the most famous painting in the Van Gogh Museum?
Vincent van Gogh's Skull with Burning Cigarette (1886) is the most famous painting in the Van Gogh Museum and No. 1 of this ranking, ahead of Vincent van Gogh's The Potato Eaters (1885), Vincent van Gogh's Van Gogh's Bedroom in Arles (1888) and Vincent van Gogh's The Street (1888).
What are the five best-known paintings in the Van Gogh Museum?
In order: Skull with Burning Cigarette by Vincent van Gogh, The Potato Eaters by Vincent van Gogh, Van Gogh's Bedroom in Arles by Vincent van Gogh, The Street by Vincent van Gogh and Wheatfield with Crows by Vincent van Gogh.
Which Vincent van Gogh paintings hang in the Van Gogh Museum?
13 of the 13 paintings of this ranking are by Vincent van Gogh: Skull with Burning Cigarette (No. 1), The Potato Eaters (No. 2), Van Gogh's Bedroom in Arles (No. 3), The Street (No. 4), Wheatfield with Crows (No. 5), Almond Tree in Blossom (No. 6), Branches with Almond Blossom (No. 7), Tree Roots (No. 8), Fishing boats on the Beach at Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (No. 9), Agostina Segatori in the Café du Tambourin (No. 10), Roses and Beetle (No. 11), Still Life with Bible (No. 12) and Crab on Its Back (No. 13). Our catalogue lists 298 records of Gogh's works at the Van Gogh Museum.
Which ten paintings should I see at the Van Gogh Museum?
In order: Skull with Burning Cigarette (Vincent van Gogh), The Potato Eaters (Vincent van Gogh), Van Gogh's Bedroom in Arles (Vincent van Gogh), The Street (Vincent van Gogh), Wheatfield with Crows (Vincent van Gogh), Almond Tree in Blossom (Vincent van Gogh), Branches with Almond Blossom (Vincent van Gogh), Tree Roots (Vincent van Gogh), Fishing boats on the Beach at Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (Vincent van Gogh) and Agostina Segatori in the Café du Tambourin (Vincent van Gogh).
Where can I see the paintings of the Van Gogh Museum?
The Van Gogh Museum is in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Our catalogue lists 390 of its works by 53 artists, dated 1841 to 1919; the 13 paintings of this ranking are all in its collection.
Should I visit the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum for paintings?
The Van Gogh Museum holds 389 paintings of our catalogue, dated 1841 to 1919 and mostly from the 19th century; the Rijksmuseum holds 4,546, dated 1300 to 1951 — its best-known are Night Watch, The Milkmaid and The Little Street.
What are the three must-see works of the Van Gogh Museum?
The highlights of the Van Gogh Museum are the The Potato Eaters, the Sunflowers and the Torso of Venus, followed by its other highlights. Of the three, the The Potato Eaters is a painting of this ranking (No. 2).
What is the oldest painting in the Van Gogh Museum on this list?
The earliest is Vincent van Gogh's The Potato Eaters (1885) (1885); the latest, Vincent van Gogh's Wheatfield with Crows (1890) (1890).
What is the largest painting in the Van Gogh Museum on this list?
Vincent van Gogh's The Potato Eaters (1885), 82 × 114 cm. The smallest is Vincent van Gogh's Roses and Beetle (1890), 33 × 24 cm.
How is this ranking made?
The paintings of the Van Gogh Museum in our catalogue are ranked by how widely each one is known: the number of Wikipedia language editions with an article on it (Wikidata sitelinks), its place in our catalogue's manual ranking and the visits its page receives. The same painting catalogued several times counts once; details, copies and studies are left out.
The house of the originals
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam: history and collections of the originals
The Van Gogh Museum (VGM, Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam, VOGM) — museum — in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Its collection counts 104 approved works. Its highlights: The Potato Eaters, Sunflowers, Torso of Venus. Our catalogue lists 389 of its paintings and works on paper, by 53 artists, dated 1841 to 1919.
The History of Van Gogh Museum
Established through the conviction of Theo van Gogh, the institution preserves the legacy of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. The collection's lineage traces back to 1925, when the works were inherited by Theo's son, Vincent Willem van Gogh. This continuity of care allowed the paintings to move from private hands into a dedicated space for public observation. Located in the Museum Square in Amsterdam South, the museum officially opened its doors on 2 June 1973. The presence of these works in Amsterdam provides a physical connection to the artist's development, from his early studies to his final, expressive years. The museum's existence is a direct result of the efforts to ensure these canvases were not lost to time.
The Architecture of the Museum Building
Situated within the Museumplein in Amsterdam, the structure occupies a space between the Stedelijk Museum and the Rijksmuseum. The layout is divided into two distinct parts: the Rietveld building and the Kurokawa wing. Its design utilizes light and space to create a meditative atmosphere. The interplay of light and shadow within the walls mirrors the dramatic contrasts found in the canvases. This architectural approach fosters a contemplative engagement with the works on display. the Kurokawa wing complements the original structure, contributing to the overall presence of the institution. The building's design reflects a restless spirit through its use of light and space.
The Extensive Van Gogh Collection
The museum holds the largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings in the world. This assembly includes around 860 oil paintings that trace a life of intense creative output. Beyond the canvases, a significant collection of letters between Vincent and Theo remains, offering a direct connection to the artist's thoughts and his relationship with his brother. These documents provide a quiet, intimate perspective on the man behind the brushstrokes. The presence of works by his contemporaries allows for a study of the artistic dialogues of the era. These pieces sit alongside his own development, providing a sense of the visual landscape he inhabited. the Potato Eaters, 1885 Sunflowers, 1888 Almond Tree in Blossom, 1888 Torso of Venus, 1886
Exhibitions and Research
The museum organizes its displays to trace the artist's life chronologically, following the progression from his early, somber works to his later, more expressive pieces. This arrangement allows for a direct observation of how his style interacted with the broader movements of his era. By presenting works by his peers alongside his own, the exhibitions reveal the specific influences and lessons he gathered throughout his development. This context clarifies how his approach to color and form evolved in relation to the artistic currents of the late 19th century. Technology plays a part in the museum's presentation through the Meet Vincent Van Gogh Experience, an immersive exhibition that utilizes digital means to engage with his life and works. Beyond these permanent arrangements, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions, such as those focusing on Vincent and his family. These specialized displays provide a closer look at the personal connections and domestic realities that shaped his existence.
5 facts about the home of the originals
- Who were the architects responsible for the design of the Van Gogh Museum?Gerrit Rietveld and Kisho Kurokawa
- Which painting is mentioned as being a work where the heavy application of paint conveys the physical weight of labor?The Potato Eaters
- In which city is the Van Gogh Museum located?Amsterdam
- Which artist's works are held in the museum alongside Vincent van Gogh?Utagawa Hiroshige
- What medium was used for the artwork 'Torso of Venus'?Charcoal and ink
The Van Gogh Museum: every original we catalogueThe museums of Amsterdam
To read
Three articles on the originals and their painters
How the originals are ranked
The originals of the Van Gogh 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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