Van Gogh print in Tehran Museum gains new symbolism amid Middle East conflict
The lithograph 'At Eternity's Gate' by Van Gogh, housed in the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, has taken on new importance amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Created in November 1882, it features Adrianus Zuyderland at the age of 72, who lived until 87. Only seven copies of this work exist; one includes Van Gogh's title written in English, tied to a failed job application in London. Van Gogh presented it to Anton van Rappard, and it later came into the possession of Nelson Rockefeller before being sold to Farah Pahlavi for $65,000 in the early 1970s. Since its opening in October 1977, the museum has largely kept its collection hidden following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. After closing due to the American and Israeli attack on February 28, it reopened in May with a limited exhibition titled 'Art & War.'
Key facts
- Van Gogh lithograph 'At Eternity's Gate' (1882) is held in Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art vaults.
- Only seven examples of this lithograph survive; one has the title inked by Van Gogh.
- The model was Adrianus Zuyderland, 72, from The Hague's Old Men's Home; he lived to 87.
- Van Gogh gave the print to artist friend Anton van Rappard.
- Nelson Rockefeller and his wife Mary bought the print in early 1970s.
- Rockefeller sold to dealer Eugene Thaw, who sold it in 1975 for $65,000 to Farah Pahlavi.
- Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art opened in October 1977; after 1979 revolution, collection largely unseen.
- Museum closed after US/Israeli attack on 28 February, reopened in early May with 'Art & War' series.
Entities
Artists
- Vincent van Gogh
- Adrianus Zuyderland
- Anton van Rappard
- Théophile Peyron
Institutions
- Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art
- Kröller-Müller Museum
- Old Men's Home (The Hague)
Locations
- Tehran
- Iran
- The Hague
- Netherlands
- London
- United Kingdom
- Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
- France
- Otterlo
- New York
- United States