On January 31, 1890, Theo van Gogh announced the birth of his son in a letter to Vincent van Gogh. The little boy was named Vincent Willem, after Vincent. Van Gogh, who was extremely close to his younger brother, immediately set about making a painting of his favorite subject: blossoming branches against a blue sky. The painting was meant as a gift for the newborn. Van Gogh choose the almond tree as a symbol of new life as the tree blooms as early as February, announcing the coming spring. Vincent Willem later founded the Van Gogh Museum. Title: Almond Blossom Creator: Vincent van Gogh Creator Lifespan: 30 March 1853 - 29 July 1890 Creator Nationality: Dutch Creator Gender: Male Creator Death Place: Auvers-sur-Oise Creator Birth Place: Zundert Date Created: February 1890 - 1890 Location Created: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France Place Part Of: France Physical Dimensions: 73.3 x 92.4 cm More Info: Letter - Letter from Theo van Gogh to Vincent van Gogh announcing the birth of his son, who was named Vincent Willem. - Van Gogh Museum/Huygens ING Type: Painting Rights: Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation), Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)