Van Gogh’s Last Brushstroke Ignites Turf War Over Historical Tree Roots

Thu Jan 01 2026 06:58:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A contention brews in Auvers-sur-Oise as ownership of tree roots depicted in Vincent Van Gogh's final work, "Tree Roots," becomes a matter of public interest versus private property rights.

The picturesque village of Auvers-sur-Oise is facing a contentious debate over the rightful ownership of tree roots immortalized in Vincent Van Gogh's last painting. As the local government claims these roots for public access, property owners resist, potentially escalating the dispute to higher courts.

In the idyllic village of Auvers-sur-Oise, famed for its artistic legacy and association with Vincent Van Gogh, a surprising conflict has erupted over the roots of a tree featured in the artist’s last painting, "Tree Roots." This small community, known for its vibrant art tourism, has long been a pilgrimage site for Van Gogh enthusiasts wishing to trace the footsteps of the troubled painter, who spent his final days here before his tragic death.

The controversy ignited when experts determined that the painting, which eternally captures gnarled roots on a hillside, was painted on the day of Van Gogh’s passing. This revelation underscored the historical significance of the roots, previously overlooked, which has since propelled Auvers into a fierce debate over land ownership. The main root, affectionately called the "elephant" by local fans, is situated adjacent to a public road, prompting the local municipality to assert a claim over the section of private land where it resides.

The property owners, Jean-François and Hélène Serlinger, staunchly oppose the municipality's claim, leading to an appeals court ruling against the village’s assertion of public right. Despite the court’s decision, Auvers Mayor Isabelle Mézières remains resolute, calling for the roots to be preserved as part of the community's heritage. Through social media, she appealed to local sentiment, stating, “The Roots belong to the Auversois!”

This ongoing legal tussle casts a shadow over the village just as it braces for an influx of art tourists during their traditional spring season. For the approximately 7,000 residents of Auvers, the stakes are high—not just for the art legacy they cherish but also for their local economy, intimately tied to Van Gogh’s remarkable influence. With the mayor considering further legal avenues, the resolution of this conflict remains uncertain, highlighting the tension between preserving heritage and respecting private property rights.