The "Repetitions", January 1889
What was added to the Tokyo version of Van Gogh's Sunflowers?
Sunflowers (Van Gogh series)
Both "repetitions" of the 4th version are no longer in their original state. In the Amsterdam version a strip of wood was added at the top—probably by Van Gogh himself. The Tokyo version, however, was enlarged on all sides with strips of canvas, which were added at a later time—presumably by the first owner, Emile Schuffenecker. The series is perhaps his best known and most widely reproduced. In recent years, there has been debate regarding the authenticity of one of the paintings, and it has been suggested that this version may have been the work of Émile Schuffenecker or of Paul Gauguin. Most experts, however, conclude that the work is genuine.