Discover teh dramatic conclusion too a legal battle that has captivated art enthusiasts: the ownership dispute surrounding Van Gogh’s Tree Roots painting. Explore the intricacies of the recent French court case and discover how the final ownership of the very tree roots depicted in the iconic painting was decided. Learn about the meaning of this work and the implications for our understanding of the artist’s final days.
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Van gogh’s Final Masterpiece: Ownership Dispute Resolved in french Court
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A legal battle in France has concluded, settling a dispute over the ownership of the very tree roots depicted in Vincent van gogh’s last painting. The case pitted a local mayor against a couple who own the land where the roots are located, adding a new layer of intrigue to the story of the famed artist’s final days.
The Scene: auvers-sur-Oise and Van Gogh’s Last Days
The story unfolds in Auvers-sur-Oise, a small riverside village where Vincent van Gogh spent his final days. It was here, just hours before his death in July 1890, that Van Gogh painted a scene of tangled tree roots in vivid colors, putting his internal struggle on full display
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- Location Discovered: In 2020, the exact location of these tree roots was identified in the back garden of 48 Rue Daubigny.
- Historical Significance: auvers-sur-Oise held a special significance for Van Gogh, serving as the backdrop for his final artistic expressions.
The Dispute: A Bitter Row Over Ownership
The finding of the site ignited a feud between Jean-François and Hélène Serlinger, the owners of the land, and Isabelle Mézières, the mayor of Auvers. The local authorities attempted to claim public ownership of the site in 2020, arguing that it was part of the public highway.
Though, the courts sided with the Serlingers. In 2023, a local court ruled against the mayor, a decision that was upheld by the Versailles appeal court.
The Verdict: A Victory for the Landowners
The Versailles appeal court’s decision appears to have settled the matter “for once and for all.” Ms. Serlinger expressed relief, stating:
We are very happy that this is now over. The mayor tried to grab the bottom part of the sire by saying it was part of the road, which is terrible. But the appeal is very clear,which is great,and now we can use our maximum energy to work on the site and welcome more people from around the world.
Hélène Serlinger, Landowner
The couple, who moved to Auvers in 1996 inspired by their love for Van Gogh, acquired the land in 2013, unaware of its historical significance. Since the Van Gogh institute identified the site in 2020, they have welcomed visitors, including members of Van Gogh’s family.
The Aftermath: Controversy Lingers
Despite the court ruling, Mayor Mézières has taken to social media to voice her discontent, asserting that The roots belong to the people of Auvers!
She indicated that she would continue legal action, stating:
We are taking legal action. There is no question of giving in to the public interest of the people of Auvers over private interests. The question of ownership is not settled. It was the city that had the condition of the roots assessed by an expert and called on the Ministry of Culture to preserve the heritage of the people of Auvers. These roots are a common good, not a commercial object!
Isabelle Mézières, Mayor of Auvers
The Serlingers plan to open their garden to the public on April 12, offering 30-minute tours for €8. This decision has further fueled the debate, with some viewing it as a commercialization of a site of critically importent cultural heritage.
Van Gogh’s Legacy: A Final Glimpse
Tree Roots holds a poignant place in art history as the last work painted by Van Gogh before his death. The painting, initially appearing as a jumble of bright colours in abstract forms
, depicts a slope with tree trunks and roots. Andries Bonger, Vincent’s brother Theo’s brother-in-law, described
