From National Gallery of Canada:
During his self-imposed stay in the asylum of Saint-Rémy Van Gogh ventured in to the hospital’s grounds, particularly the overgrown garden. The artist consciously connected with nature as it helped him maintain a mental equilibrium and progress in his recovery. With this painting, he studied a flower in close-up. The sword-like leaves growing around the shaft of the stem are carefully drawn and outlined with a fluid brush. The yellow dots representing wildflowers have been placed with great deliberation yet the entire canvas is full of vibrancy. Van Gogh’s desire to paint “a single blade of grass” stems from his lifelong appreciation and love for nature.