By the spring of 1890, Van Gogh had recovered. Excited by the recent sale of The Red Vineyard and his release from the asylum, he set about painting a colourful, optimistic series of flowers.
On 16 May 1890, Van Gogh left the asylum and travelled to Paris to meet Theo, Jo and baby Vincent. Three days later he moved to Auvers-sur-Oise, where he had found a room to rent close to Dr. Gachet, whom Theo had already asked to keep an eye on him.
Van Gogh painted The Church in Auvers-sur-Oise shortly after his arrival. The church, sitting on a rise above the town, was a dominant feature of the local scenery, just as it is on his canvas. The garden is brightly painted yet the church is in shade – perhaps symbolic of his lost evangelical career.