'A passionate life': Largest-ever exhibition of Vincent van Gogh's work in Australia

Van Gogh and the Seasons celebrates the Dutch painter's connection to, and great love of, nature.

Vincent van Gogh Dutch 1853–90 Roses and peonies June 1886 Paris oil on canvas 59.8 x 72.5 cm Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo Source: Supplied

Forty-nine works by one of the world's most enigmatic artists are being showcased in a major Australian exhibition.

The exhibition, 'Van Gogh and the Seasons', has been curated by Sjraar van Heugten, the former Head of Collections at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

Vincent van Gogh Dutch 1853–90 Self-portrait autumn 1887 Paris oil on canvas 44.1 x 35.1 cm F 320, JH 1334 Musée d’Orsay, Paris Source: Supplied

Mr van Heugten said, that in a career spanning less than a decade, Van Gogh created 850 paintings and 1200 drawings.

Many of them were preoccupied with the changing seasons.

"I wanted to bring something together that really could persuade people actually the seasons were important in van Gogh's work," Mr van Heugten told SBS News.

Vincent van Gogh Dutch 1853–90 The green vineyard 2–3 October 1888 Arles oil on canvas 72.2 x 92.2 cm Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo Source: Supplied

Vincent van Gogh was close to his brother, Theo, who encouraged him to become a painter.

Theo was with his brother when he died after shooting himself, aged 37.

Many of van Gogh's works were inherited by Theo's son, Vincent Willem van Gogh.

Now Vincent van Gogh's great-grandnieces, are working to preserve the artist's legacy, many as board members of the Van Gogh Foundation.

Vincent van Gogh Dutch 1853–90 Tree trunks in the grass late April 1890 Saint-Rémy oil on canvas 72.5 x 91.5 cm Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo Source: Supplied

Josien van Gogh says she grew up surrounded by the famous artworks, hung in family homes.

"It was just an ordinary part of life," Ms Van Gogh said.

"Sounds a bit strange, but that's just how it was."

Vincent van Gogh Dutch 1853–90 The parsonage garden in the snow January 1885 Nuenen oil on canvas on wood panel 53.0 x 78.0 cm Hammer Museum, Los Angeles Source: Supplied

Great-grandniece, Sylvia Cramer, said, although troubled, there were happy times for the artist.

"It was a short, but beautiful life," Ms Cramer said. "A passionate life."

Van Gogh and the Seasons is on at the National Gallery of Victoria until July 9.

Vincent van Gogh Dutch 1853–90 View of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer 1/3 June 1888 Arles oil on canvas 64.2 x 53.0 cm Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo Source: Supplied