Imagine walking the streets of Auvers-sur-Oise and learning about Van Gogh’s work and inspiration, getting acquainted with the Yates family or seeing original sketches of famous Italian caricaturists.

All these experiences will be available during European Heritage Days 2018 to provide a unique perspective on European art and its cultural value. As some of the most active makers of heritage, painters shape the cultural space of their time. As a tribute to their legacy, European Heritage Days celebrations historically incorporate a number of tours, exhibitions, and events dedicated to some of the most significant artist and their works that constitute a vital part of cultural heritage of Europe.

Last Days of Van Gogh Revisited

On the Footsteps of Impressionism is the title of the tour that will take the visitors into the innermost world of Vincent Van Gogh. The tour includes all the places connected to Van Gogh’s life at Auvers-sur-Oise, from the house and the inn he lived, to the landscapes he painted and the museums that host works of 19th century Impressionists.

The tours are scheduled for 19 August, 16 September, and 14 October, with the second date being a part of the European Heritage Days weekend in France. On that day, visitors will be able to take the tour for free and discover a different world of one of Europe’s most intriguing artists.

A related event at the castle of Auvers-sur-Oise that will be taking place from April to September and from October to March is the course named Vision of Impressionists, which will provide insight into the most prominent ideas and authors of this fascinating movement. More information about the reservations is available on this page.

Meet the Yeats

Photo: Portrait of W. B. Yeats (1900), Source: Wikipedia

The Model, an art gallery in Sligo, Ireland, holds one of the most compelling art exhibitions this summer from 18 to 26 August. Titled Portrait of a Family, the exhibition explores portraits of the members of the famous Yates family created by John Butler Yeats and a number of other artists.

Portraits include John Butler Yeats’ masterpiece Self Portrait, New York, as well as portraits of other members of this talented family. The exhibition will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to perceive the great artists from a more intimate perspective.

Spadolini Nuova Antologia Foundation

Photo: Spandolini's Desk, Source: Wikipedia

During the European Heritage Days weekend in Italy on 22 and 23 September, one of Florence’s most impressive oases for the lovers of paintings, books, and landscapes will celebrate a perfect harmony of history, art, nature and literature. Spadolini Nuova Antologia Foundation will open the doors to the famous villa of Giovanni Spadolini, House of Books, and several other residences on the estate to showcase the works of various artists that were a part of the personal collection of a famous politician and art collector Giovanni Spadolini.

Collecting different memorabilia and works of art, Spandolini created an outstanding collection of books and works of art. The visitors will be able to see some of the original works of caricaturists such as Maccari and Forattini, enjoy the admirable collection of books, as well as to learn more about the works of artists such as Soffici, Morandi, and Caffè, that are displayed in separate rooms dedicated to each artist. To find out more, visit the Foundation’s official webpage.

These are just some of the European Heritage Days events that will enable a more personal understanding of the artists and works of art whose intransient nature creates heritage bonds between generations and nations. Together with many thematic exhibitions across Europe, they will provide a closer perspective on the lifestyles, motives, and social backgrounds of different artists whose work helps transfer shared European knowledge and values.