Musée d'Orsay Publishes Online Record of Paul Gachet's Van Gogh Deathbed Drawing
On June 16, 2026, the Musée d'Orsay published an updated online record for Paul Gachet's 1890 charcoal drawing 'Vincent van Gogh sur son lit de mort,' depicting the artist on his deathbed. The drawing, measuring 24 by 22.6 cm, was donated by Gachet's son Paul Gachet fils in 1951 and is part of the museum's collection housed at the Louvre's Department of Graphic Arts. Paul Gachet, the physician who cared for Van Gogh in his final months, created the drawing on July 29, 1890, as noted by the inscription. The work has been featured in exhibitions including 'Van Gogh à Auvers' at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam in 2023 and the Musée d'Orsay's own 'Van Gogh à Auvers-sur-Oise : les derniers mois' in 2023–2024, but the record indicates it is not currently on display.
The Signal
The online publication of this intimate drawing underscores the Musée d'Orsay's ongoing digital stewardship of its collection, making rare works accessible to a global audience. For collectors and scholars, Gachet's drawing offers a poignant historical document from Van Gogh's inner circle, complementing the better-known portraits by Gachet and the doctor's own artistic output. The work's inclusion in major Van Gogh exhibitions further cements its art-historical importance, though its current off-view status suggests potential for future display.
- Artists: Paul Gachet, Vincent van Gogh
- People: Paul Gachet fils
- Museums: Musée d'Orsay, Musée du Louvre, Van Gogh Museum
- Locations: Paris, Amsterdam
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