Photo Flash: Sneak Peek at Van Gogh's SUNFLOWERS at the National Gallery

Two versions of Vincent van Gogh's iconic Sunflowers are being reunited in London for the first time in 65 years in 2014 - giving visitors to the National Gallery a unique opportunity to compare and contrast these much-loved masterpieces side by side, while also exploring new research about the artist's working practices. Check out a sneak peek below!

From 25 January 2014 (until 27 April) the paintings from the National Gallery, London, and the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, can be seen in Room 46 of the Trafalgar Square gallery. This free display will also include the results of recent scientific research into the two paintings carried out by both institutions. These investigations have revealed new insights into how Van Gogh painted his Sunflowersand what materials he used - giving us a deeper understanding of the making and meaning of these works of art, and of their relationship to each other.

The paintings are two of the five versions of Sunflowers that are now spread around the world (the others currently residing in Tokyo, Munich and Philadelphia). The series dates from 1888, when Van Gogh left Paris to paint in the brilliant sunshine of the South of France. He rented a house in Arles - 'The Yellow House' - and invited Paul Gauguin to come and join him so the two artists could paint together. Waiting for Gauguin to arrive, Van Gogh painted a series of pictures of sunflowers to decorate his friend's bedroom. They were meant as a sign of friendship and welcome, but also of Van Gogh's allegiance to Gauguin as his artistic leader.

The National Gallery bought its Sunflowers in 1924 directly from the artist's family. From that time it has steadfastly remained one of the most popular paintings in the collection, with the image consistently the most purchased postcard and poster.

This unprecedented loan from the Van Gogh Museum is testament to the long and fruitful history of collaboration between the two institutions. The National Gallery Sunflowers was recently seen in Amsterdam in the exhibition Van Gogh at Work (opened 1 May 2013), which marked the re-opening of the Van Gogh Museum following an extensive renovation.

For more information, visit www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Sunflowers Vincent Van Gogh 1888

Sunflowers Vincent Van Gogh 1889