Exploring Van Gogh’s Era: The Sicard Sisters Photographers in Provence

What was Provence really like in the days of Vincent van Gogh?

Vincent Van Gogh spent two years in Provence, first in Arles and then at a mental asylum called Saint-Paul le Mausole in St-Rémy-de-Provence. His time in Provence was remarkably productive, with an output of over 200 paintings, including masterpieces like The Starry Night and Irises.

In Van Gogh’s works we see the people and landscape of the time, filtered through the lens of his unique artistic style. But what did they really look like? A new photographic collection now lets us see for ourselves.

The Sicard Sisters

Sisters Emile, Alexandre, and Augustin Sicard were talented amateur photographers at the turn of the last century. They took hundreds of photos in and around St-Rémy just a few years after van Gogh lived there, at a time when the local environment changed very slowly. Looking at their photos gives us a picture of van Gogh’s world.

Autoportrait de Claire et Marise-Louise SICARD en arlésienne, en 1904 © Domaine Saint-Antonin / SICARD Archive

We can see, for example, the Mausole, where he lived and painted.

Nearby are St-Rémy’s famous Antiques, two ancient Roman monuments that Vincent would have seen when he walked out the Mausole’s front gates.

Marie-Louise et Claire SICARD, Vue du plateau des Antiques de Saint-Rémy-de-Provence avec le mausolée des Jules et l’arc de triomphe de Glanum, vers 1900-1905 © Domaine Saint-Antonin / SICARD Archive

Just beyond the fields next door, the Alpilles Mountains are topped by Mount Gaussier, painted several times by van Gogh.

And in town and in the fields, we see the buildings and people that van Gogh would have encountered in his daily life.

The Domaine Saint-Antonin

Many of the Sicard sisters’ photographs have been digitized and can be viewed here. They comprise an important part of the archives of Domaine Saint-Antonin, an estate that dates back to the early 17th century and which was once managed by the sisters.

The estate covers over 100 hectares north of Mount Sainte-Victoire and includes an ancient farmhouse, chapel, dovecote, and stables. Today it is a popular site for concerts, art exhibitions, conferences, and weddings. It can be visited daily from 9:30am to 9:30pm, though checking ahead is advised (+33 (0)6.95.72.15.69, contact@saint-antonin.net.)

Domaine Saint-Antonin (website)
Route de Vauvenargues,
13490 Jouques

Keith Van Sickle

Keith and Val Van Sickle made their first trip to Provence decades ago, and it was love at first sight. After that, they came back every year until 2008, when they began a part-time life there, splitting their time between Provence and California.

Over the years, they’ve travelled all over Provence, seeing sights both well-known and obscure. Their French friends have introduced them to favourite restaurants and wineries and picnic spots and taught them funny local expressions (not all for polite company).

Keith now shares this local knowledge in his new book, An Insider’s Guide to Provence. Packed with the Van Sickles’ favourite things to see and do, it’s a must-have for anyone travelling to this glorious corner of France.

Keith previously published two books about the couple's experiences in Provence. One Sip at a Time: Learning to Live in Provence, and Are We French Yet?, both are available from Amazon.

You can see all of Keith’s blog posts at Life in Provence.