Press Release - 14 March 2007
Van Gogh painting now on display at National Gallery.

The National Gallery of Ireland has today (Wednesday, 14th March) placed on display its most recent acquisition, 'Rooftops of Paris' (1886) by Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1889). The painting, which was purchased last February at Sotheby's Impressionist and Modern Art sale in London, has been integrated into the permanent display of the collection and is on view in Room 45 of the Dargan Wing.

'Rooftops of Paris' (oil on canvas, 45.6 x 38.5cm) was painted in 1886, just a few months after van Gogh moved to Paris at the age of 33. While there, the artist was introduced to some of the leading artists of the time; Renoir, Monet, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec, Camille Pissarro, and Paul Gauguin whom he met that same year.

The present painting was in a private collection since the 1920s, and is one of four known views of the rooftops of Paris painted by the artist. This view of the city, painted in the dark tones that characterise his early work, was inspired by the wonderful panorama nearby the apartment the artist shared with his brother Theo, at 54 rue Lepic in the Montmartre.

Raymond Keaveney, Director of the Gallery described the acquisition by van Gogh as an important and delightful addition to the Gallery's collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art which has been growing steadily with the recent additions of Pierre Bonnard's 'Le dejeuner' (1923), and two works by the German Expressionist painters, Gabriele Münter, 'Girl with a Red Ribbon' (1908) and Hermann Max Pechstein, 'Departing Boats, Nidden' (1920).

Note to Editors:

Due to the fun-fair festival being set up in Merrion Square for St. Patrick's Festival (14-21 March), pedestrian access to the Gallery on Merrion Square is restricted especially from Friday 16th to Monday 19th March. Visitors may access the Gallery via the Millennium Wing at Clare Street, Dublin 2. Admission to the Gallery is free. Hours: Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm; Thurs late opening to 8.30pm; Sun 12pm-5.30pm. Closed Good Friday (6 April).

Further Information: Valerie Keogh
Press & Communications Office
National Gallery of Ireland
Telephone (01) 661 5133
Email press@ngi.ie