Van Gogh's two pictures of the hospital in Arles-painted while he was recovering after cutting his ear-head to the Courtauld

Following the emotional turmoil that led to Vincent Van Gogh's ear mutilation, he created only two significant paintings of the hospital in Arles. Later acquired by Swiss collector Oskar Reinhart, these pieces will now be exhibited at London's Courtauld Gallery. The paintings, created in April 1889 during Van Gogh's hospital stay, reflect his struggle with mental health and the solace found in his surroundings. The exhibition runs from 14 February to 26 May and showcases Van Gogh's unique perspective during this challenging period of his life.

The pair of Van Goghs, The Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles and The Ward in the Hospital at Arles, will be among the show's highlights.

This was four months after Van Gogh had mutilated his ear, which had precipitated the abrupt departure of his colleague and lodger Paul Gauguin.

Van Gogh must have loved to escape from the noisy and crowded ward to enjoy the springtime flowers.

I always imagine that the man with a hat seated by the edge of the covered terrace (and apart from the other patients) is Van Gogh himself.

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