Saint Paul de Mausole – the unusual sight of lavender of Provence

 

Saint Paul de Mausole is not only the most unusual landmark of Provence, but also quite eerie. And this is for several reasons. First, it is a very old monastery, and secondly, it is a mental hospital. As too for sightseeing in the romantic France, isn't it? But that's not all. There's a whole year I was Vincent van Gogh in Saint Paul de Mausole, he wrote a lot of paintings all seasons, among them the famous "Irises". And besides, here is Valetudo – art Studio where classes on art therapy for patients. But about all under the order.





Saint-Paul-de-Mausole – the complex is very beautiful and ancient buildings. The first mention of this monastery is recorded in the 11th century. About 8 centuries of religious asylum performing their direct functions. But in the early NINETEENTH century, the authorities decided that the territory of the monastery and its location is ideal for the psychiatric hospital. From that time to the present day Saint-Paul-de-Mausole is a psychiatric hospital.





Towards the end of his life Vincent van Gogh painted some of his greatest works. One of them depicts a very beautiful monastery. And this Saint-Paul-de-Mausole. The artist voluntarily came to Saint Paul de Mausole. He arrived in the asylum on 8 may 1889 and remained there for only a year until may 16, 1890.

This time was the peak of creative activity for Vincent. In the short period he produced more than 150 drawings and 143 paintings, most of which displays a neighborhood of St-Paul-de-Corns in all four seasons of the year. The most famous of them – "Irises", "Wheat field with cypresses", "Siesta" and "Starry night."

In early 1980, Vincent van Gogh had a relapse of the disease, so his brother, Theo, decided to take the artist with him when he gets better. In may of the same year, Vincent moved to the North brother, and 2 months later it happened irreparable. July 29, 1890, in the 37th year of his life the great artist did not become.





Saint Paul de Mausole today is divided into 2 halves: one of them is a souvenir shop and a Museum, and the second continues to function as a hospital. On the top floor of the main building recreated apartment of Vincent van Gogh. Only two small rooms: a bathroom and a bedroom.

The bedroom was sparsely furnished: a severe single bed, a wooden chair, a Desk and a barred window, in which are seen the gardens and the wheat field, which the artist has displayed in his works more than 15 times. The bathroom has a real bath the days of tin, and a wheelchair. But to get here you need to pass through the gift shop, which sells very strange "gifts".

Asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole today only accepts patients-women, in General, they suffer from depression of various origins, schizophrenia and other personality disorders.

Here is a therapeutic art Studio Valetudo, which was established in 1995. All patients are required to draw, and some are sold in the gift shop, along with the usual mugs and van Gogh postcards. All the pictures of the patients here really appreciate and cheaper 150-180 euros a souvenir is not worth it. Some of the drawings are bright and more cheerful, but there are also those from which goosebumps.





Throughout Saint Paul de Mausole planted roses and begonias, but still there is a special panel, which depicts the paintings of Vincent van Gogh. These panels are installed in those places where the artist "see" their subjects. Also, they have relevant explanations in English and French. published

P. S. And remember, only by changing their consumption — together we change the world! ©

 

Source: mif-facts.com.ua