Vincent van Gogh spent one year at the asylum in Saint-Rémy de Provence. This year was probably the most difficult of his entire life. It would also prove to be one of his most creative as an artist. After cutting off part of his left ear in Arles, Van Gogh voluntarily confined himself to the institution in Saint-Rémy. Throughout the course of his year there Van Gogh would battle his own personal demons, but would also produce many of the best works of his career. At times Van Gogh would be completely incapacitated by his illness, but during his more lucid times the staff at the asylum would allow him to work outdoors and pursue his art. Van Gogh's landscapes in particular (such as Wheat Field with Cypresses) would be the most exquisite he would ever produce.
